Easy Vegan Zucchini Muffins
Easy Vegan Zucchini Muffins That Taste Like A Treat!
Zucchini might not be the first ingredient you think of for muffins, but once you bake your first batch of vegan zucchini muffins, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!
These muffins are moist, fluffy, and packed with plant-based goodness, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
This blog will cover everything you need to know:
- The benefits of using zucchini in baking
- The best vegan substitutes
- Tips for perfect muffins every time
- A variety of flavour options
Plus, we will share some tried-and-true recipes and answer some frequently asked questions.
Essential Ingredients For Vegan Zucchini Muffins
1. Zucchini
Fresh zucchini is the star ingredient, offering natural moisture and extra nutrients. Always use unpeeled zucchini for added texture and colour.
When finely grated, one medium-sized zucchini provides about one cup, perfect for blending seamlessly into muffin batter.
2. Flour
All-purpose flour creates light, fluffy muffins with a soft bakery-style texture. For a healthier twist, substitute whole wheat flour for added fibre or use gluten-free blends to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the muffins tender and delicious.
3. Sweeteners
Vegan zucchini muffins can be sweetened naturally using coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar. Each option adds its depth of flavour so that you can adjust sweetness levels based on your taste preferences and nutritional goals.
4. Vegan Egg Substitutes
Common options include:
- Flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoon water = 1 egg)
- Mashed banana (¼ cup = 1 egg)
- Applesauce (¼ cup = 1 egg)
- Vegan yogurt (¼ cup = 1 egg)
5. Oil Or Fat
Healthy fats like coconut, olive, or neutral vegetable oils are key to moist, tender muffins. You can also replace oils with nut butter or vegan butter, offering richness and flavour while keeping the texture soft and satisfying.
6. Leavening Agents
The muffins rise wonderfully because of the air bubbles the baking soda and powder make. Always check expiration dates, as fresh leavening agents ensure light, fluffy results in vegan baking without the need for eggs.
7. Add-Ins
Add-ins bring variety and personality to your muffins! Fold in vegan chocolate chips, walnuts, cranberries, or raisins. You can also enhance the flavour with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, creating exciting textures and rich seasonal tastes.
Introducing Vegan Zucchini Muffin Recipes
These Vegan Zucchini Muffins offer a variety of delightful flavours, from chocolate chip to matcha, each packed with nutrients. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast, they sneak in veggies without compromising taste!
1. Vegan Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
These vegan chocolate chip zucchini muffins balance rich, chocolatey goodness and wholesome plant-based ingredients.
Moist, fluffy, and naturally sweet, they make a guilt-free treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert — all while sneaking in a veggie!
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 22 minutes | Total time: 32 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Zucchini (unpeeled): 1 cup, finely grated
- All-purpose or whole wheat flour): 1½ cups
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup: ½ cup
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: ½ cup
- Coconut oil: ⅓ cup, melted
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Vegan chocolate chips: ½ cup
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place paper liners into a muffin tray.
- Whisk the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt in a large bowl. In a large bowl
- Mix the grated zucchini, plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
- After adding both mixtures, gently fold them until they are mixed. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
- After dividing the batter evenly, fill each muffin liner to about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool on a wire rack before enjoying!
Nutrition Facts (per muffin — approx.)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 10g
- Fibre: 2g
Health Benefits
These muffins offer plant-based goodness from zucchini, providing fibre, hydration, and essential nutrients. Coconut oil delivers healthy fats, while vegan chocolate chips satisfy sweet cravings.
Enjoying baked treats without dairy, eggs, or excessive processed sugar is healthier than vegan treats.
2. Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Muffins
These light, fluffy vegan lemon poppy seed zucchini muffins combine the refreshing brightness of lemon with the mild flavour of zucchini. With the delicate crunch from the poppy seeds, these muffins are the ideal, invigorating morning or afternoon snack.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20-22 minutes | Total time: 32-34 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Zucchini (unpeeled): 1 cup, finely grated
- All-purpose or whole wheat flour: 1½ cups
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup: ½ cup
- Fresh lemon juice: ¼ cup
- Lemon zest: 1 lemon
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: ⅓ cup
- Coconut oil: ⅓ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1½ teaspoons
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Poppy seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and sea salt until well combined.
- Mix the grated zucchini, plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in another large bowl.
- It is essential to avoid overmixing while combining the dry ingredients with the wet ones.
- The batter should be uniformly distributed among the muffin cups. To ensure a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean, bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
- Let the muffins sit in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts (per muffin — approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Fibre: 2g
Health Benefits
Zucchini provides fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants to support digestion and immunity. Lemon adds a refreshing vitamin boost, while poppy seeds offer heart-healthy fats. These muffins are a nutritious, wholesome snack—delicious and great for overall wellness.
3. Savoury Vegan Zucchini Muffins
Skip the sugar and indulge in these savoury vegan zucchini muffins! Infused with garlic, herbs, and nutritional yeast, they’re a perfect accompaniment to soups or salads or can be enjoyed as a satisfying snack. Zucchini adds moisture and nutrition without sweetness.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 22-24 minutes | Total time: 32-34 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Zucchini (unpeeled): 1 cup, finely grated
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme or rosemary:
- Nutritional yeast: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil (or vegetable oil): ¼ cup
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: ¾ cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Sun-dried tomatoes: ¼ cup, chopped (optional for extra flavour)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use paper liners to line a muffin pan lightly.
- Combine the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, baking soda, baking powder, thyme, sea salt, and pepper in a large basin. Within a vast basin, combine the grated zucchini, plant-based milk, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar in another bowl.
- If using sun-dried tomatoes, fold them in gently. For 22–24 minutes, bake. After letting the muffins cool for a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts (per muffin — approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Fibre: 3g
Health Benefits
These savoury muffins contain plant-based protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. Zucchini adds hydration and vitamins, while nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavour and vitamin B12. Olive oil gives heart-healthy fats, making these muffins both tasty and nutritious.
4. Spiced Carrot & Zucchini Muffins
These spiced carrot & zucchini muffins are a perfect addition to any vegan zucchini collection, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours.
Grated carrots and zucchini packed into each muffin and a warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger blend are ideal for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20-22 minutes | Total time: 32-34 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Zucchini (unpeeled): 1 cup, finely grated
- Carrots: 1 cup, finely grated
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup: ½ cup
- Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Ground ginger: ¼ teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: ⅓ cup
- Coconut oil: ¼ cup, melted
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground flaxseed: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added fibre)
- Chopped walnuts or raisins: ½ cup (optional, for extra texture)
Method
- Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C), and either place paper liners in a muffin tray or lightly coat it with oil.
- Combine the flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine grated carrots, plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a different bowl. Avoid mixing too much.
- If desired, fold in the walnuts or raisins for added texture.
- Pour batter into each muffin cup with a spoon until it is about three-quarters full.
- To ensure a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean, bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes
Nutrition Facts (per muffin — approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Fibre: 3g
Health Benefits
These muffins contain antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre from the zucchini and carrots. The warm spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while the healthy fats from coconut oil and optional walnuts support heart health and satiety.
5. Vegan Zucchini Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These vegan zucchini apple cinnamon muffins combine the best fall flavours with the refreshing taste of zucchini and apple.
Sweetened naturally and spiced with cinnamon, these muffins are a perfect treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert while containing plenty of nutrients.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20-22 minutes | Total time: 30-32 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Zucchini (unpeeled): 1 cup, finely grated
- Apple (peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference): 1 cup finely grated
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup: ½ cup
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: ⅓ cup
- Coconut oil: ¼ cup, melted
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground flaxseed: 1 tablespoon (optional for extra fibre)
- Chopped walnuts or raisins: ½ cup (optional for texture)
Method
- Set your oven to heat at 350°F (175°C) before you begin baking. Line the muffin tin with a paper liner or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until well combined.
- Grate the zucchini and apple, and combine with plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla essence in a separate bowl.
- If desired, fold in the walnuts or raisins for added texture.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes. After allowing the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition Facts (per muffin — approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Fibre: 3g
Health Benefits
Packed with fibre and vitamins from zucchini and apples, these muffins provide essential nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants.
They are a healthy treat because walnuts offer protein and good fats, while cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and blood-sugar-regulating qualities.
6. Vegan Zucchini Matcha Muffin
These Vegan Zucchini Muffins with matcha bring a unique twist to traditional recipes, offering a delicious blend of earthy green tea flavour and the natural sweetness of zucchini. Matcha adds colour and provides a smooth, green tea flavour that pairs wonderfully with the zucchini.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20-22 minutes | Total time: 30-32 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Zucchini (unpeeled): 1 cup, finely grated
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
- Matcha powder: 2 tablespoons
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup: ½ cup
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: ⅓ cup
- Coconut oil: ¼ cup, melted
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground flaxseed: 1 tablespoon (optional for extra fibre)
Method
- After preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt) in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, gently mix both ingredients after pouring them in. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the vegan chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you'd like.
- Pour batter into each muffin cup with a spoon until it is about three-quarters full.
- Bake the vegan zucchini matcha muffins 20 to 22 minutes. Remove the muffins from the oven and move them to a wire rack to continue cooling in the tin after a little cooling time.
Nutrition Facts (per muffin — approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Fibre: 3g
Health Benefits
These muffins are loaded with antioxidants from matcha, which helps boost metabolism and fight free radicals. Zucchini adds hydration and fibre, while coconut oil provides healthy fats. Matcha’s calming effects and vibrant green colour make it a nourishing treat.
7. Vegan Banana Zucchini Muffins
The ultimate mashup of two healthy baking staples: banana bread and zucchini muffins — moist, flavorful, and plant-based!
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20–22 minutes | Total time: 30-32 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- All-purpose or whole wheat flour: 1¼ cups
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Baking powder: ½ teaspoon
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Shredded zucchini: ¾ cup, squeeze excess moisture
- Ripe banana: 1 medium-sized, mashed
- Unsweetened applesauce: ¼ cup
- Maple or agave syrup: ¼ cup
- Plant-based milk: ¼ cup
- Coconut oil: 2 tablespoons, melted or olive oil
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: ⅓ cup (optional)
Method
- After preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt) in a large bowl.
- Whisk together mashed banana, applesauce, maple syrup, milk, oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
- Fold in the shredded zucchini.
- Don't overmix; mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- If using, stir in chopped nuts for added texture and healthy fats.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
- To ensure a toothpick comes out clean, bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts (per muffin — approx.)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fibre: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Health Benefits
These muffins are packed with fibre from zucchini and banana, which supports healthy digestion and gut health. Rich in potassium, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients, they promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and offer sustained energy — all without dairy, eggs, or refined sugars.
FAQs
Can I Freeze These Vegan Zucchini Muffins?
Yes! These muffins freeze well. Let cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. For a quick snack, thaw at room temperature or microwave one.
Conclusion
Vegan zucchini muffins are a delightful and healthy treat that combines zucchini's natural moisture and nutrients with the richness of plant-based ingredients.
Whether you prefer sweet or savoury variations, these muffins are versatile and easy to make. With numerous flavour possibilities and health benefits, they’re perfect for any occasion, making them a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, vegan-friendly snack or breakfast.
I trust you enjoyed this article about the Easy Vegan Zucchini Muffins That Taste Like A Treat! Stay tuned for more blog posts soon. Take care!
JeannetteZ
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