The Best Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe for Cozy Mornings
Autumn’s golden embrace brings a delightful twist to classic baking with these pumpkin zucchini muffins that blend seasonal comfort and unexpected freshness.
Warm spices dance through each tender crumb, creating a harmony of flavors that surprise and delight.
Zucchini adds unexpected moisture to the hearty pumpkin base, making these muffins incredibly soft and rich.
Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic, transforming simple ingredients into a morning treat that feels like a warm hug.
The natural sweetness of pumpkin complements the subtle green vegetable, resulting in a perfectly balanced breakfast or snack.
A sprinkle of brown sugar on top adds a gentle crunch that elevates these muffins from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bake a batch and watch them disappear faster than leaves falling on a crisp October morning.
Fun Ways to Switch Up Zucchini Muffins
Ideas for Serving Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins
Storing Muffins for Softness and Freshness
FAQs
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before adding to the batter.
Absolutely! These muffins freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
You can replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana in equal amounts to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture.
Zucchini Meets Pumpkin in This Muffin Recipe
All the Ingredients for Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins
Wet Ingredients:Dry Ingredients:Optional Mix-Ins:Baking Instructions for Moist Zucchini Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F.
Grab a muffin tin and either line it with cute paper liners or give it a generous spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until they create a smooth, beautiful blend:Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients to create a perfect flour mixture:Step 4: Create Muffin Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.
Stir gently until everything is just combined.
Be careful not to overmix – this keeps your muffins tender and light.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If you want extra texture and flavor, fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
This is your chance to get creative!
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
Fill each cup about two-thirds full for perfect rising.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes.
Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These moist, flavorful muffins are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
Pro Tips for Bakery-Style Pumpkin Muffins
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Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Seasonal Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins blend autumn’s warmth with garden-fresh zucchini in a perfectly spiced, moist treat. Rich with cinnamon and nutmeg, these hearty muffins deliver comforting flavors you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Sweeteners and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine pumpkin puree, grated zucchini, eggs, oil, brown sugar, and honey in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly blend the flour varieties, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and salt using a whisk to eliminate potential lumps.
- Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just incorporated; avoid aggressive mixing to maintain tender muffin texture.
- Introduce optional nuts or chocolate chips by carefully folding them through the batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Portion the batter evenly across muffin cavities, filling each approximately three-quarters full for optimal rising.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without raw batter.
- Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, which helps them set, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature and develop complete structural integrity.
Notes
- Grate zucchini finely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy muffins and ensure a perfect texture.
- Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Add extra spices like ground ginger or cardamom to enhance the warm, seasonal flavor profile of the muffins.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.