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Apple Cinnamon Zucchini Muffins

Apple cinnamon zucchini muffins with warm cinnamon spice, tender diced apple, and zucchini shreds baked into a golden, caramelized top. These easy fall breakfast muffins bake up moist and tender with a cinnamon-sugar crust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Muffins
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.33 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.25 cup applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 large apple)
Topping
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
Mix dry ingredients
  1. Whisk all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix wet ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Stir wet into dry until just combined.
Fold in fruit
  1. Fold in zucchini, grated and squeezed dry, and apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 large apple).
Fill and top
  1. Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each ¾ full, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping over each.
Bake and cool
  1. Bake for 20–22 minutes at 375°F until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden.
  2. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Pro tip: squeeze the grated zucchini dry so the crumb stays tender rather than soggy. Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the refrigerator). For a lighter option, swap vegetable oil for an equal amount of neutral oil or use unsweetened applesauce only if you adjust expectations for moisture and structure.