Last Updated on April 7, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Too much zucchini? Elevate your harvest with these Chocolate and Zucchini Muffins. The unique savory-sweet blend of rich cocoa, warm cinnamon and spicy cayenne in a mini cake is a real treat. This recipe transform a simple vegetable into a healthier gourmet treat.
Before I teach how to make this delicious mini chocolate zucchini cake recipe a bit about grief.
Mother Nature and Grief
Good grief and mother nature go together like cinnamon and chocolate. There is no escaping it. As much as I thought I could take a break from grief there is so much about Mother Nature that keeps it right on the edge of my mind and in my heart.
William was such an outdoorsman. As a kid, he loved everything about playing in the woods. His passions included hunting, fishing or just being with Mother Nature. Fond memories include playing eye-spy searching out critters hiding in the brush. He was good at that game. He was happy.
Our new backyard (we have lived here 2 years now) brings William into my heart nearly every day. This week there are dancing blue birds, red tailed hawks, overhead, teaching their babies to fly and just this morning 4 young bucks butting heads---the latter brings an automatic, "Good Morning, William" from my lips. It makes me happy.
As always I am thankful to have these moments with William and to live in such a beautiful place. I am also thankful that the deer have kept their distance from my garden and that Mother Nature has provided us with an abundance of delicious fruits and vegetables for me to play with in the kitchen. I especially love mini cakes and muffins and now these Yucatan zucchini muffins.
chocolate and zucchini muffins ingredients
- White whole wheat flour increases the fiber and nutrients in this recipe. You can use plain all-purpose flour, if you prefer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (any brand is fine)
- Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and reduces the need for extra fat
- Cayenne pepper adds a smokey spicy kick...adjust to your taste
With a touch of spice and healthy ingredients these mini cakes are sure to please. Homegrown zucchini and inspiration from some authentic local Mexican food trucks makes this recipe extra special. I hope you give it a try.
Take the zucchini (please take some). I only planted 2 seeds and I have more than I know what to do with. It's been grilled, roasted, stuffed and pancaked, but my favorite new recipe are these taste of the Yucatan little spiced zucchini cakes. Enjoy!
Chocolate and Zucchini Muffins
Ingredients
- 3 cups white whole wheat flour I use King Arthur brand
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup canola oil
- ¾ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cups shredded zucchini lightly tamp it down into the cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350F. Lightly grease or line 2 ½ dozen muffin cups with paper liners.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cocoa powder into a large bowl, then whisk until blended and set aside.
- In mixing bowl, beat eggs on high speed with an electric mixer for 2−3 minutes gradually adding the sugar. Beat until mixture is pale yellow, thick and creamy.
- Add oil, applesauce and melted butter; beat until well mixed.
- Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and fold gently by hand until dry ingredients are completely moistened and mixed.
- Stir in zucchini.
- Using a standard ice cream scoop, fill muffin cups about ⅔ full.
- Bake 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool. Dust with powdered sugar or add a chocolate glaze or frosting, if desired, but really not needed.
Louis Matino (@LouMatino) says
We're loaded up with zuchinis and cucumbers as well, lol.
lisakeys64 says
my cucumbers are still small-can't wait to make some tzatzicki sauce
Lisa Keys says
Moist, tender and everything we love about muffins. A must try when you have zucchini overload.