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As the school year approaches, parents are often on the lookout for healthy snack options that can sustain their children's energy levels throughout the busy day. With endless homework assignments, extracurricular activities, and social events, it’s crucial to provide nutritious choices that not only satisfy hunger but also contribute to overall well-being. One such option that has gained popularity among health-conscious families is zucchini muffins. These delightful bites are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, making them an ideal snack for kids on the go.

Back-to-School Healthy Zucchini Muffins Bites

Prepare your little ones for a successful school year with these Healthy Zucchini Muffin Bites! Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks, these tasty treats are not only kid-approved but also packed with essential nutrients. Made with wholesome ingredients like zucchini, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners, they're a delicious way to encourage healthy eating habits. Quick to prepare, these muffins are a delightful and nutritious option that will keep kids energized throughout the day!

Ingredients
  

1 cup finely shredded zucchini (approximately 1 medium zucchini)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1 large egg

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a mini muffin tin by lining it with muffin cups or lightly greasing each cup with cooking spray.

    Prepare Zucchini: Grate the medium zucchini using a box grater. To remove excess moisture, place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel, gather the edges, and twist to squeeze out the liquid. Set the drained zucchini aside.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and free of lumps.

        Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), egg, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

          Combine Mixtures: Add the drained shredded zucchini to the wet ingredient mixture. Stir gently until the zucchini is fully integrated. Then, gradually fold the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

            Add Nuts and Chips: If desired, add the chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chips (or raisins) to the batter. Gently fold them in with your spatula until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

              Fill Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, fill each prepared mini muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter to allow room for rising.

                Bake Muffin Bites: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. They are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin bite comes out clean.

                  Cool Down: Once baked, carefully remove the muffin bites from the oven. Allow them to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the bites to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

                    Serve & Enjoy: Serve these nutritious zucchini muffin bites warm or at room temperature. They make great snacks for kids and are an excellent addition to lunchboxes!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Yields approximately 24 mini muffins.