Unless you hide veggies in alllll the things...YOU CAN'T SIT WITH US.
I used to post muffin recipes all the time on this bloggy boo. They're just the perfect snackity---hearty, healthy, and tasty to boot! Whenever I make muffins now, I use both almond meal and oat flour.
Using almond meal adds a boatload of healthy fats that not only make your hair and skin totally shiny and gorg, but it also helps boost your immune system, fight chronic disease, and combat inflammation!
Using almond meal rather than a grain-based flour also helps lower the carbohydrate content of the muffies, which is great for when you want a yummy snack that's not a total carb bomb.
You know I love my carbs, but when you eat a plant-based diet that involves carbs out the wazoo (think beans, rice, whole-grain crackers, quinoa, sweet potatoes, hummus), sometimes you just want a snack that's not as carbalicious.
Because almonds are higher in fat, I find you don't have to add as much oil to the batter as you would with all whole wheat or oat flour. I get my almond meal at Trader Joe's and then I simply whiz a cup of old-fashioned oats in the Nutribullet to make oat flour.
Sometimes I buy the organic Arrowhead Mills oat flour as a shortcut, but you really can't beat the price of a hugh jass container of old-fashioned oats! I bought the biggest size of Target brand oats on sale last week for a whopping $2.69! Thirty servings for $2.69? Hellooooo cheap, healthy breakfast!
These babies are sweetened with a wee quarter cup of coconut palm sugar, so it's of utmost importance for you to use SUPER ripe nanners. I'm talking the black kind that you think you should throw away but are secretly the key to the bestest banana bread. If you're using spotted nanners that are still kind of yellow, you may want to add a couple more tablespoons of sugar.
To make these more of a dessert-like muffin, you could up the sugar to a half cup. I think they're plenty sweet as is, especially with the melty bites of chocolate chips!
I like to use coconut palm sugar because it's less refined and therefore has trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, but good old brown sugar will work just fine, too. Coconut sugar also has a lower glycemic index than refined white sugar, meaning it won't spike your blood sugar as quickly.
But at the end of the day, it's still sugar---so go for the more natural kinds and use them in moderation! Keep in mind that coconut oil is still 100% fat (fourteen grams per tablespoon) with zero fiber, just like coconut sugar is still 100% sugar (four grams per teaspoon).
While they do provide some nutritional benefits, don't go scarfing 'em down just because everyone and their brother promises they'll lead to miraculous weight loss. There's no substitution for good old-fashioned healthy eating and exercise, my friends...not even tablespoons on tablespoons of organic coconut oil.
Another note---if you don't care about a muffin being vegan, you can always substitute the flax "eggs" for regular eggs (two in this case). I think these would also be fab with some shredded coconut, walnuts, some cacao, and a little nutmeg. If you try anything fun, tell me in the comments!
These were adapted from my banana coconut muffins, which is a super old recipe but definitely one of my favorites. Some of the oldest recipes on this site are actually the ones that I make most often, like my salmon burgers, avocado bean burgers, almond butter broccoli stir fry, and tomato, basil and kale quiche.
Brace yourself for some seriously funny old blog posts! PS--my almond butter zucchini bars are one of the most popular recipes on the blog, so if you have an extra zucchini, whip up a batch and thank me later! They are one serious present for your face.
Now go make these.
They're so fetch.
PrintVegan Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 17 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Muffins, Bars and Bites
Description
These deliciously moist, vegan, and gluten free muffins are packed with flavor and nutrition!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water
- 2 medium, very overripe (nearly black) bananas
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (one medium zucchini), packed, liquid squeezed out
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ground into flour (grind oats in blender/food processor to make flour)
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine flax and water in a small bowl and set aside to gel.
- Using paper towels, squeeze liquid out of zucchini. Add zucchini to a large bowl. Add bananas and mash with a fork. Add coconut oil and vanilla to bowl and stir until well combined. Stir in flax mixture.
- In a separate medium bowl, stir together almond flour, oat flour, oats, coconut sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. The batter will be thick. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes in muffin tin before carefully transferring muffins to cooling rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 185
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0g
Robin lucas says
Alexis, I honestly try every recipe you post. One of my friends sent me your website 1 year ago and have been hooked ever since.
Robin lucas says
Alexis, I honestly try every recipe you post. One of my friends sent me your website 1 year ago and have been hooked ever since.
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I just happen to be eating a piece of banana zucchini chocolate bread right now, so I'm definitely on board with this combo! 🙂 I love your use of oat and almond flour. I need to give these babies a try!
Alexis says
Yummalicious!! Ever since I hopped on the almond meal bandwagon, I can't get off!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I just happen to be eating a piece of banana zucchini chocolate bread right now, so I'm definitely on board with this combo! 🙂 I love your use of oat and almond flour. I need to give these babies a try!
Alexis says
Yummalicious!! Ever since I hopped on the almond meal bandwagon, I can't get off!
Robin lucas says
Omgosh these are so good! I used dark choc chips and so delish. Thanks for always giving us the best recipes!!! Never came across one I didn't like:)
Alexis says
You are just the sweetest, Robin! I can't tell you how great that makes me feel!!
Robin lucas says
Omgosh these are so good! I used dark choc chips and so delish. Thanks for always giving us the best recipes!!! Never came across one I didn't like:)
Alexis says
You are just the sweetest, Robin! I can't tell you how great that makes me feel!!
Cassie says
A) I love all the background info on all the ingredients, keep it up!
B) I need another zucchini ASAP to make these!
Alexis says
I'm so glad you like the background nutrition info! I'm gonna try to include that stuff more often without being boring 🙂 There's a fine line!
Cassie says
A) I love all the background info on all the ingredients, keep it up!
B) I need another zucchini ASAP to make these!
Alexis says
I'm so glad you like the background nutrition info! I'm gonna try to include that stuff more often without being boring 🙂 There's a fine line!
Julia says
I'm speechless.
★★★★★
Alexis says
I lurve you.
Julia says
I'm speechless.
★★★★★
Alexis says
I lurve you.
Kathryn @ Chicks Dig Running says
So I just did a spin on your recipe, and turned them into brownies. I used the oat flour (so easy and I feel so much better than using regular bleached flour!), did double zucchini, and added sugar (I'm traditional when it comes to sugar), almond butter, egg whites, and cocoa powder. I'm putting the recipe up on my blog tomorrow but don't worry I will certainly be giving up the credit for my inspiration - Hummusapien! I love your recipes, thanks for sharing them all!
★★★★★
Alexis says
That sounds like such a yumtastic spin! Can't wait to check it out!
Kathryn @ Chicks Dig Running says
So I just did a spin on your recipe, and turned them into brownies. I used the oat flour (so easy and I feel so much better than using regular bleached flour!), did double zucchini, and added sugar (I'm traditional when it comes to sugar), almond butter, egg whites, and cocoa powder. I'm putting the recipe up on my blog tomorrow but don't worry I will certainly be giving up the credit for my inspiration - Hummusapien! I love your recipes, thanks for sharing them all!
★★★★★
Alexis says
That sounds like such a yumtastic spin! Can't wait to check it out!
Erica {Coffee & Quinoa} says
These look just awesome! I always love zucchini baked goods, but haven't made any in forever. I have some unacceptably ripe bananas that would be just perfect for these!
Alexis says
My laziness regarding grating zucchini hinders zucchini baked goods...I fully admit it!
Erica {Coffee & Quinoa} says
These look just awesome! I always love zucchini baked goods, but haven't made any in forever. I have some unacceptably ripe bananas that would be just perfect for these!
Alexis says
My laziness regarding grating zucchini hinders zucchini baked goods...I fully admit it!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i have been dreaming of these boys for a while now - thanks a lot for finally sharing the recipe!!!
Alexis says
You're so welcome! Enjoy, my friend!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i have been dreaming of these boys for a while now - thanks a lot for finally sharing the recipe!!!
Alexis says
You're so welcome! Enjoy, my friend!
April says
So, I went ahead and made these last night - I knew they were coming thanks to your teasers on IG & FB so I had a zucchini and nanners waiting! I could hardly wait, and I was right, they are incredible. Crazy moist and so tasty! Obviously the bites with the choc chips are the best. I had one right out of the oven. 🙂 I don't think I had ever made vegan muffins before, so fun! My nanners weren't black but I was too impatient to wait (plus my zucchini was ready to go) so I did add a little more coconut sugar. I filled about 3/4 of a 1/2C scoop, and they are perfect. The chocolate chips and banana help keep it sweet, and really, I can't stress how PERFECTLY MOIST these babies are. I gave my manager one and told her they were healthy, and she ate it and then goes, "is this thing really healthy or is this like mean girls where they convince rachel mcadams that those fattening bars will burn up all her carbs?" LOL! She also said it was delicious. So, I'm looking forward to a promotion. JK. I am looking forward to eating more of these, though! Great recipe, great pics, love healthy muffins, love your guts.
★★★★★
Alexis says
I'm SO glad you liked them! Perfectly moist is the ultimate compliment! Love ya lady! PS be my official recipe tester pretty pleazzzeeeee 🙂
April says
So, I went ahead and made these last night - I knew they were coming thanks to your teasers on IG & FB so I had a zucchini and nanners waiting! I could hardly wait, and I was right, they are incredible. Crazy moist and so tasty! Obviously the bites with the choc chips are the best. I had one right out of the oven. 🙂 I don't think I had ever made vegan muffins before, so fun! My nanners weren't black but I was too impatient to wait (plus my zucchini was ready to go) so I did add a little more coconut sugar. I filled about 3/4 of a 1/2C scoop, and they are perfect. The chocolate chips and banana help keep it sweet, and really, I can't stress how PERFECTLY MOIST these babies are. I gave my manager one and told her they were healthy, and she ate it and then goes, "is this thing really healthy or is this like mean girls where they convince rachel mcadams that those fattening bars will burn up all her carbs?" LOL! She also said it was delicious. So, I'm looking forward to a promotion. JK. I am looking forward to eating more of these, though! Great recipe, great pics, love healthy muffins, love your guts.
★★★★★
Alexis says
I'm SO glad you liked them! Perfectly moist is the ultimate compliment! Love ya lady! PS be my official recipe tester pretty pleazzzeeeee 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Totes amazing looking. am I right or am I right?
Lezbehonest. I sat on that table before you claimed others couldn't sit. BOOM.
Alexis says
Tehehe. #amirightoramiright. I see what you did there 😉
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Totes amazing looking. am I right or am I right?
Lezbehonest. I sat on that table before you claimed others couldn't sit. BOOM.
Alexis says
Tehehe. #amirightoramiright. I see what you did there 😉
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I put pumpkin in some of my baked goods -- does that count? 😀 Confession: zucchini is on my veggie hit list so I kind of like to keep it as far away from my desserts as humanely possible, buuuuut I have a feeling a lot of that comes back to the one bad experience I had with it in the past... which I probably need to get over 😯
Alexis says
Heck yes it counts! I cannot freaking wait to have an excuse to eat pumpkin on alllll the things every single day. Hurry up, fall! So sorry to hear about your zucchini experience--I say try try again 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I put pumpkin in some of my baked goods -- does that count? 😀 Confession: zucchini is on my veggie hit list so I kind of like to keep it as far away from my desserts as humanely possible, buuuuut I have a feeling a lot of that comes back to the one bad experience I had with it in the past... which I probably need to get over 😯
Alexis says
Heck yes it counts! I cannot freaking wait to have an excuse to eat pumpkin on alllll the things every single day. Hurry up, fall! So sorry to hear about your zucchini experience--I say try try again 🙂
Miss Polkadot says
"Unless you hide veggies in alllll the things…YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US." <- I knew you were one of those mean girls all along. Dang, now I either need to veggie-fy ALL of my upcoming recipes or ... find blog friends who despise vegetables. But that'd be like denying my heritage. Blog-wise. Okay, I think I can find a way to sneak vegetables into a baked good or two. And your muffins sound pretty awesome.
Alexis says
Guillltyyy! You can def sneak some veggies into a baked good or two...I have faith in you!
Miss Polkadot says
"Unless you hide veggies in alllll the things…YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US." <- I knew you were one of those mean girls all along. Dang, now I either need to veggie-fy ALL of my upcoming recipes or ... find blog friends who despise vegetables. But that'd be like denying my heritage. Blog-wise. Okay, I think I can find a way to sneak vegetables into a baked good or two. And your muffins sound pretty awesome.
Alexis says
Guillltyyy! You can def sneak some veggies into a baked good or two...I have faith in you!
Robyn @thereallife_RD says
I don't know what you're doing with that camera but your photos suddenly more gorgeous than ever before!
keep up the fab work lady, you're so professional 🙂
Alexis says
It's all thanks to the new camera and some serious practice 🙂 Thanks, lady!
Robyn @thereallife_RD says
I don't know what you're doing with that camera but your photos suddenly more gorgeous than ever before!
keep up the fab work lady, you're so professional 🙂
Alexis says
It's all thanks to the new camera and some serious practice 🙂 Thanks, lady!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Since they include zucchini, they are totall acceptable to eat for breakfast. I love any excuse to eat chocolate/sweets for breakfast!
Alexis says
Ummmmm yes. Breakfast it is!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Since they include zucchini, they are totall acceptable to eat for breakfast. I love any excuse to eat chocolate/sweets for breakfast!
Alexis says
Ummmmm yes. Breakfast it is!
Lauren says
These look awesome! Healthy snacks at their finest right there. These are going on the to make list!!
Lauren says
These look awesome! Healthy snacks at their finest right there. These are going on the to make list!!
Giulia says
Do flax seeds gel like chia seeds? If I don't have flax seeds could I use chia seeds instead? Also, I love your blog! You're so fun and deliver fun healthy recipes and treats. Keep them coming, you're one of my faves! xoxo
Alexis says
Hey Giulia! Yep, ground flaxseed and whole chia seeds both gel. Either one is fine! Thanks so much for the sweet comment--so glad you're enjoying the blog!
Giulia says
Do flax seeds gel like chia seeds? If I don't have flax seeds could I use chia seeds instead? Also, I love your blog! You're so fun and deliver fun healthy recipes and treats. Keep them coming, you're one of my faves! xoxo
Alexis says
Hey Giulia! Yep, ground flaxseed and whole chia seeds both gel. Either one is fine! Thanks so much for the sweet comment--so glad you're enjoying the blog!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
Haven't made zucchini muffins in a while... gonna need to do this again soon!
Alexis says
The oven is calling!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
Haven't made zucchini muffins in a while... gonna need to do this again soon!
Alexis says
The oven is calling!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
mmm... gluten free perfection!
Alexis says
That's what I'm sayin'!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
mmm... gluten free perfection!
Alexis says
That's what I'm sayin'!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Oooh - you squuezed in veggies and fruits and CHOCOLATE into these muffins!!! Helllooooo yummmy!!!!
I adore my own ground up oat flour - the stuff at the store is just way too pricey!
Alexis says
Fruits and veg and chocolate OH MY!!! Homemade oat flour all the way, baby 🙂
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Oooh - you squuezed in veggies and fruits and CHOCOLATE into these muffins!!! Helllooooo yummmy!!!!
I adore my own ground up oat flour - the stuff at the store is just way too pricey!
Alexis says
Fruits and veg and chocolate OH MY!!! Homemade oat flour all the way, baby 🙂
She Rocks Fitness says
Please send me some...thanks! 😉 Looks delicious and love the photos!
Alexis says
Coming right up darling!
She Rocks Fitness says
Please send me some...thanks! 😉 Looks delicious and love the photos!
Alexis says
Coming right up darling!
Helen says
Ooo. This looks delicious. I've never tried adding zucchini to baked goods. Thanks for sharing!
Alexis says
I think you can add it to just about anything! It adds great moisture and nutrition 🙂
Helen says
Ooo. This looks delicious. I've never tried adding zucchini to baked goods. Thanks for sharing!
Alexis says
I think you can add it to just about anything! It adds great moisture and nutrition 🙂
CakePants says
Oh wow, these muffins look fantastic! The texture looks really interesting - I'm not a fan of muffins that are super bread-y and homogenous throughout, so these definitely caught my eye. Looking forward to trying them!
CakePants says
Oh wow, these muffins look fantastic! The texture looks really interesting - I'm not a fan of muffins that are super bread-y and homogenous throughout, so these definitely caught my eye. Looking forward to trying them!
Handmade by Lorna says
Another totally scrummy recipe - thank you for sharing it with us.
Alexis says
Thanks my dear! Enjoy!
Handmade by Lorna says
Another totally scrummy recipe - thank you for sharing it with us.
Alexis says
Thanks my dear! Enjoy!
Ann says
Do you use melted or solid coconut oil?
Alexis says
I actually just used solid coconut oil. Make sure to mix it in well!
Ann says
Do you use melted or solid coconut oil?
Alexis says
I actually just used solid coconut oil. Make sure to mix it in well!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Perfection! I love making my own oat flour! Seriously so easy!
Alexis says
Right?! So nutty, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Perfection! I love making my own oat flour! Seriously so easy!
Alexis says
Right?! So nutty, too!