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banana zucchini muffins - Featured

Moist Banana Zucchini Muffins: 1 Bowl Joy

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Written by Alex Hayes

July 22, 2025

Finding those perfect breakfast treats that are both good for you and taste amazing can feel like a quest sometimes, right? As someone who used to think the kitchen was just a place to grab takeout, I get it. My journey started with a simple loaf of bread, and in that moment of pulling something warm and satisfying from the oven, I found this incredible sense of peace and joy. That’s exactly what I want to share with you here at Pure Cooking Joy – that feeling of creating something delicious without all the fuss. These banana zucchini muffins are the perfect example! They’re seriously moist, packed with goodness thanks to that hidden zucchini, and you can whip them up in just one bowl. Plus, they’re my go-to for busy mornings because they’re totally freezer-friendly. We believe food should be simple, approachable, and oh-so-satisfying, and these muffins totally nail that.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Zucchini Muffins

Seriously, these muffins are a game-changer for busy mornings:

  • One-bowl wonder: Less mess, less fuss – just mix and bake!
  • Super moist and delicious: You’d never guess the secret veggie-power inside.
  • Packed with goodness: A healthy way to start the day or enjoy a snack.
  • Kid-approved: Especially with those yummy chocolate chips mixed in!
  • Freezer-friendly: Perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go breakfasts.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Banana Zucchini Muffins

Okay, gathering your ingredients is the first step to muffin magic, and it’s super simple! You really want those ripe mashed bananas – the spottier, the sweeter! And for the zucchini, trust me, give it a good squeeze to get most of the water out; it makes all the difference for that perfect moist texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (these are totally optional but so good!)

Simple Steps to Make One-Bowl Banana Zucchini Muffins

Alright, let’s get baking! The best part about these banana zucchini muffins is how ridiculously easy they are. Seriously, one bowl! You’ll be amazed at how quickly we go from ingredients to deliciousness. First things first, get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab your muffin tin and give it a little grease and flour, or just pop in some paper liners. Trust me, it saves so much hassle later!

Now, into your big bowl. We’re going to whisk together all the dry stuff: the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Just a quick whisk to get them all buddies. Then, we’ll grab our mashed bananas and add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and that lovely vanilla extract. Give that a good whisk too, until everything is nicely combined. Pour all those wet ingredients right into the bowl with the dry stuff. Stir it all together until it’s *just* combined. Don’t go crazy here; a few streaks of flour are totally fine! Overmixing is the enemy of tender muffins, so go easy.

Next up, gently fold in that squeezed-dry grated zucchini you prepped, along with those optional chocolate chips. They’re like little nuggets of happiness in every bite! Divide your batter evenly into those muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds of the way full. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a little skewer you poke into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. And voilà! Your perfect banana zucchini muffins are ready to enjoy!

Tips for the Best Moist Banana Zucchini Muffins

Making these banana zucchini muffins is all about those little touches that make a big difference! Since we’re all about making cooking feel joyful and not like a chore here at Pure Cooking Joy, here are a few little secrets to ensure your muffins turn out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, grab those super ripe bananas – you know, the ones with all the brown spots? They’re like nature’s candy and add so much natural sweetness and moisture. And that zucchini? Squeezing out as much water as possible is key. It might seem like a small step, but it really helps keep your muffins from getting too soggy and ensures that lovely, tender texture we’re aiming for. Oh, and a gentle hand when mixing is your best friend – don’t overmix the batter!

Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic of Zucchini in Muffins

You know, sometimes the best ingredients are the ones you don’t even notice! Zucchini is like a secret superpower in these banana muffins. It adds this amazing moisture that keeps them so tender and delightful, and you really don’t taste it. It’s just this wonderful way to sneak in some extra goodness, fitting perfectly with how we love to make everyday ingredients shine here at Pure Cooking Joy. It’s proof that simple additions can make such a big difference!

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Banana Zucchini Muffins

Life gets busy, right? That’s why I absolutely love that these banana zucchini muffins are so fantastic for making ahead. It’s like having a little bit of homemade goodness waiting for you whenever you need it! Once your muffins are completely cool – and this is important, you don’t want any condensation in the freezer bag – you can just pop them into an airtight container or a good quality freezer bag. They’ll stay perfectly delicious for up to 3 months. Seriously, waking up and just grabbing one of these moist banana zucchini muffins is the best feeling when you’re short on time.

Variations for Your Banana Zucchini Muffins

You know, the beauty of a good base recipe like these banana zucchini muffins is that they make it so easy to get creative! We’re all about making cooking fun and approachable here, so feel free to play around. If you love a little extra crunch, some chopped walnuts or pecans are amazing stirred in with the zucchini. And of course, you can never go wrong with more chocolate chips for that classic chocolate chip banana zucchini muffin vibe – don’t be shy! Maybe even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a different spice like cardamom could be interesting!

Frequently Asked Questions about Banana Zucchini Muffins

Got some questions about whipping up a batch of these amazing banana zucchini muffins? I totally get it! We’re all about making things easy and delicious here, so let’s clear up anything you might be wondering. These are pretty foolproof, but a few little pointers can make them even better!

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! We love making healthy swaps here. You can totally use whole wheat flour, or even a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat. Just know that it might make the muffins a little denser, but they’ll still be wonderfully moist and flavorful. It’s a great way to boost the fiber in these healthy zucchini muffins!

How long do banana zucchini muffins last?

Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store these muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2-3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the refrigerator, and they should be good for up to a week. But honestly, they’re so good, I doubt they’ll stick around that long!

What makes these muffins so moist?

It’s a few things, really! That’s the magic of these moist banana zucchini muffins. First, using super ripe bananas is key – they add sweetness and moisture naturally. Then, the grated zucchini, when squeezed dry, adds even more moisture without adding any weird flavor. And of course, the oil in the recipe helps keep everything tender and lovely, so you get that perfect texture every time.

Share Your Banana Zucchini Muffin Creations!

I just love hearing from you all! Have you made these amazing banana zucchini muffins? I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below to tell me how they turned out, or even a quick rating! Sharing your baking adventures really makes my day and helps others discover how joyful cooking can be. Feel free to tag me on social media with your beautiful muffins – I can’t wait to see them!

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Moist Banana Zucchini Muffins

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Enjoy these one-bowl banana zucchini muffins, packed with vegetables and perfect for breakfast or snacks. They are moist, freezer-friendly, and a great way to use ripe bananas.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips, if using.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  8. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For best results, squeeze as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini.
  • You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • These muffins freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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