My zucchini muffins with almond flour are super healthy and satisfying. These are Paleo muffins the whole family will enjoy!
Muffins are so tasty and convenient but so many of them are full of refined carbs and just leave you hungry an hour later.
Enter the Paleo Chai Spiced Zucchini Muffin!
Made with almond flour, coconut flour, almond butter and zucchini, these are totally grain-free and full of vitamins and protein. They'll make even the pickiest members of the family happy, while starting everyone off with a balanced breakfast.
Muffins also freeze really well so do yourself a favor and double up on this one!
Chai Spiced Zucchini Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 small zucchini
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 egg, Omega-3
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract*
- 2 tsp coconut flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- On a grater, shred 1 small zucchini. Squeeze excess water out w/ paper towels.
- Grease muffin pan or line w/ paper liners.
- In a med bowl mix: shredded zucchini, 1⁄4 cup applesauce, 1/3 cup almond butter, 1⁄4 cup maple syrup, 1 egg and 1⁄2 tsp vanilla.
- Once mixed well add 2 tsp coconut flour, 1⁄4 cup almond flour, 1⁄2 tsp baking soda, 1/8 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1⁄2 tsp cardamom, 1⁄2 tsp ginger and 1⁄4 tsp ground cloves.
- Spoon mixture into greased or lined muffin tins and bake ~25mins, until slightly golden and cooked in middle.
Notes
What makes these healthy zucchini muffins?
If you look at the ingredients, you'll see these are mostly made of nuts, fruit, vegetables and spices. It's hard to get much healthier than that! Lightly sweetened with maple syrup, they're also free of refined sugar.
Here are some of the health benefits you'll get from these tasty Paleo muffins:
Zucchini: Zucchini is rich in many vitamins, but is especially high in Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function. In addition, the zucchini skin is high in antioxidants. Super low in carbs, zucchini is also a great choice for those following a Keto or low carb diet.
Apples: Apples contain Vitamin C and lots of antioxidants like flavonoids that may protect against cancer. They're also a great source of fiber, which helps with healthy digestion.
Almonds: These muffins call for almonds in both almond flour and almond butter and it's a good ingredient to double up on! High in Magnesium, Vitamin E and Potassium, almonds are good for your heart and also help lower LDL cholesterol. One serving of almonds also has as much calcium as 1/4 Cup of milk!
Coconut flour: Coconut flour may benefit heart health, blood sugar stability, and digestion. Furthermore, a 1/4 cup serving offers 6 grams of protein and 20% of daily iron needs.
Cardamom: Particularly beneficial for those with high blood pressure, cardamom boasts strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains compounds that appear to help fight cancer.
Ginger: Ginger helps with nausea and indigestion and also provides antibacterial and antioxidant benefits.
What makes these Paleo muffins?
Though you'd never know it from the texture, these muffins are totally grain-free, making them a great choice for Paleo muffins.
The combination of almond flour and coconut flour gives them an excellent crumb – your family won't miss the refined grains!
The absence of cane sugar also makes these Paleo. Instead, they're sweetened with a small amount of pure maple syrup.
Are these keto zucchini muffins?
One muffin contains 7.7 grams of carbs and 1.4 grams of fiber, for 6.3 grams of net carbs. They also contain 5.5 grams of fat and 2.7 grams of protein.
Depending on your daily goals, you could enjoy a muffin with a low carb side like scrambled eggs.
You could also try replacing the apple sauce in the recipe with butter or coconut oil to decrease the carbs and increase the fat.
What should I serve with these muffins?
These muffins are great on their own, particularly if you need something you can grab on your way out the door.
If you're looking for a more substantial breakfast though, these would be great with eggs and sautéed spinach, or even one of my breakfast hash recipes!
What are some other delicious gluten free breakfast options?
More muffins: If you love muffins, make sure to try my Banana Nut Muffins and Very Berry Muffins! Both are Gluten Free, Paleo and totally delicious.
Paleo Oatmeal: Made with coconut, flax and your favorite milk, it's hard to believe this grain-free porridge isn't actually made with oats. The best part is the toppings so get creative!
Green Shakshuka: This riff on shakshuka is packed with greens and protein and it has the perfect little kick from a bit of jalapeño (feel free to omit for the kiddos).
Tropical Green Smoothie: Can you tell I like to start my day with some greens? If you like sweet breakfasts but also want to sneak in some greens, this is the smoothie for you!
Do you have a favorite healthy breakfast? Share your ideas and pictures on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram as @prepdish in all 3 places, or leave a comment below.
Want to save for later? Pin the image below!
2 teaspoons of almond flour??? Is this supposed to be 2 cups?
Hi Juliette,
This used two flours. It’s 1/4c almond flour and 2tsp coconut flour. Coconut flour will suck up a lot of moisture so you use a little of that one. Hope this helps!
I shredded a bunch of zucchini I needed to use up and would love to make these. Any idea of a measurement for the zucchini…1/2 cup? 1 cup?
Hi Andrea,
Once the water is squeezed out I’d say 1/2cup! Enjoy!
I am in the process of making these, and am assuming I start with zucchini in the bowl when I add the applesauce, etc. Does it really matter when the zucchini is added? (No where in the directions does it say to add the zucchini.)