Midlife Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

There comes a point every summer when the zucchini starts multiplying. These muffins are our favorite way to use it.

They're also a perfect example of how nutrition can feel different in midlife. For years, many of us were taught to think about food through the lens of restriction: less sugar, less fat, fewer calories, more willpower. But as hormones shift, that approach often leaves us feeling hungry, tired, and frustrated.

Instead, we like to think about what we can add.

These muffins start with zucchini, then layer in walnuts, flax, chia, Greek yogurt, and Menomix for protein, fiber, healthy fats, and plant diversity. They taste like a gorgeous muffin. They just happen to work a little harder for you.

Around here, we keep a batch in the freezer all summer long.

 

Midlife Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

These are moist, warmly spiced, satisfying muffins with extra zucchini, protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Author
MenoPantry
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
24 minutes
Servings
24 muffins
Category

Snack

Cuisine

Midlife snack

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 3/4 cup Menomix
  • 1 TB cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 TB vanilla
  • 2 cups packed grated zucchini (~3 small)
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 TB ground flaxseed
  • 2 TB chia seeds
  • If batter is too thick add 2–4 TB milk

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line muffin tins or grease well.
  3. Beat eggs until frothy.
  4. Add sugar, oil, yogurt, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir in grated zucchini.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk: flour, coconut flour, Menomix, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, salt, baking powder
  7. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  8. Fold in: walnuts, chocolate chips, flax, chia
  9. Let batter rest 5 minutes so the coconut flour and chia hydrate.
  10. If batter feels overly stiff, add a splash of milk.
  11. Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full.
  12. Bake 20–24 minutes, until tops are golden and spring back lightly.
  13. Cool 10 minutes before eating.

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