Zucchini Carrot Muffins

When produce is prolific in the grocery stores during the summertime, it is time to bake muffins! I promise you, your kids will never know there were veggies inside. Just one of the best muffin recipes here on Zopago blog.

The size doesn’t matter as far as the batter goes, but the bake time will. I will share all the possibilities below so you can try them all. The smaller they are the quicker they will cook and great for on the go mornings. This is just one of the many zucchini dessert recipes we have to share with you. I mean it is such a versatile ingredient that can be made into something sweet or savory.

Each week we brainstormed and came up with all sorts of things. The first hit were pumpkin zucchini muffins and then we continued on from there….we just couldn’t stop the YUM y’all. 😉

When we had our vegetable garden we had TONS of these tasty green vegetables on hand every week. I had so many that I had to think way outside of the box and create new things.

Then my girls started riding horses and we bought bags of carrots in bulk, how could I not try to combine the two right? They came out way better than I thought they might. Nice to have a surprise in the kitchen now and then. We like grab and go things so easy muffin recipes are our jam.

How Long to Bake Zucchini Carrot Bread

Now as you might assume, you can make this in 2 loaf pans if you prefer. The timing would just increase to closer to an hour at 350 degrees F. Check around 50 minutes because oven temperatures can vary slightly. In mini loaf pans you can make as air fryer zucchini bread. Either way, ideally you want a toothpick to come out mostly clean with moist crumbs attached, not dry.

Do you peel zucchini for bread?

No. You need that to keep it in tact. It has a lot of moisture in it and even with the peel in tact you need to eliminate a lot of that. I use paper towels just to gently press some of that out before folding into this batter or sometimes I add some to our Carrot Cake Bundt Cake.

Filling is easy. You can use a Tablespoon or a 1/4 measuring cup so there is a bit less mess. 3/4 of the way is perfect so they rise above the papers and stay fluffy. Less than that they will over-bake and get a bit too brown.

Following how long to bake mini muffins you can make these smaller if you would like, and bake for 10-12 minutes. You do not need to frost them at the end at all. If serving them for breakfast you probably wouldn’t. Add some cream cheese frosting if it’s more of a dessert.

If you do not want to use disposable paper liners make sure you spray lightly with some sort of non stick spray. We love jumbo muffins too for a hearty breakfast or dessert after dinner too.

Tips

I have only used all purpose for these, white whole wheat flour or other alternatives may alter the cook time. Mini muffins are much shorter as well, closer to 8-12 minutes depending on your altitude.

A loaf needs about an hour, either way you form it these are a great recipe that everyone loves for brunch. Another alternative topping is to whisk a bit of brown sugar and maple syrup together and drizzle on top.

FAQ

Best tip is to remove it from the pan immediately once it’s baked. Set it on a cooling rack. Even for muffins it is best to do this (leave muffin liners on) so the sides don’t get moisture on it from the hot pan.

Because it adds a ton of moisture, texture, flavor and nutrition. There is a trick though so they aren’t too dense. You need to grate carrots and/or zucchini on top of several paper towels to absorb the excess water. You don’t want extra moisture or it will weigh it down and make them more dense than you’d like or expect. Then press down when done to absorb even more before folding into the batter!

Other Muffin Recipes You’ll Love

Apple zucchini muffins are fantastic too to combine fruit and veggies together for a natural sweetness. Try apple carrot muffins or a loaf. The fruit gives them a wonderful sweet flavor with less sugar than others out there.

And of course this started with Grandma’s moist zucchini bread so we need to share that one before heading to the printable recipe card below. You can bake this in a muffin tin too for 18 min.

Best Way to Store Leftover Muffins

Wait until they are completely cooled. Then use a gallon storage freezer bag and put a paper towel on the bottom. Place muffins on top with another paper towel on top of them. Zip closed except for the corner. Suck air out of the bag, seal shut. Store on countertop for up to 4 days.

If you are storing a leftover loaf do the same thing except only slice pieces one at a time. Leaving the remainder whole will keep it as moist as possible until you want to enjoy it.