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Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that finding quick, healthy, and delicious snacks can sometimes feel like a juggling act. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe with you. It’s a little magic trick in muffin form that mixes wholesome ingredients like oats and zucchini with a touch of sweet chocolate, and it all comes together in one blender—no messy bowls, no fuss.

These muffins are perfect any time of the day—whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a kid-friendly snack. I love how the zucchini sneaks in extra moisture and nutrition without being overpowering, and the chocolate chips give just the right amount of indulgence. Trust me, once you try this Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe, it’ll become your new go-to!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • One-Bowl Convenience: Everything gets blended together in one go, cutting down on dirty dishes and prep time.
  • Hidden Veggie Goodness: Shredded zucchini adds moisture and nutrition without turning the muffins soggy or veggie-forward.
  • Natural Sweetness: Medjool dates and pure maple syrup create a balanced sweetness that’s wholesome and satisfying.
  • Comforting Texture: The combination of oats and whole wheat flour provides a hearty, chewy texture with melty chocolate chips throughout.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of the Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe lies in the thoughtful pairing of each ingredient—each one contributes flavor, texture, or nourishment. Shopping quality oats and fresh zucchini will really make a difference in the final muffins, so I always pick the greenest, firmest zucchini I can find.

  • Shredded zucchini: Adds moisture and subtle veggie nutrition without overwhelming flavor—just be sure to squeeze out excess liquid if your zucchinis are very watery.
  • Old fashioned oats: Provide chewy texture and boost fiber content; less processed oats work best here.
  • Whole wheat flour: Adds nutty flavor and extra structure; you can swap with more oats if you want gluten-free.
  • Shelled hemp seeds (optional): Boost protein and add a slight nuttiness—a personal favorite addition for extra nutrition.
  • Medjool dates: Naturally sweet and help bind ingredients together, delivering caramel undertones.
  • Pure maple syrup: Balances sweetness with its rich flavor, unlike refined sugars.
  • Salted butter (melted): Brings richness and moisture; salted works fine since there’s sea salt in the batter, but unsalted is great too.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the muffins rise perfectly.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and sweetness.
  • Baking soda: The leavening agent that gives the muffins their gentle lift.
  • Sea salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor, plus some flakes on top add a nice finishing touch.
  • Dark chocolate chips: The star of the show for chocoholics, melting into melty pockets throughout each muffin.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe is honestly a fantastic canvas for your preferences—once I got comfortable with the basic, I started swapping in add-ins and adjusting sweetness. Have fun making these your own!

  • Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped whole wheat flour for more oats once and it worked great for gluten sensitivity, just expect a softer texture.
  • Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans stirred in with the chocolate chips gives a satisfying crunch I love when serving for brunch.
  • Plant-Based Twist: I’ve tried using flax eggs in place of real eggs — it’s slightly denser but still very tasty and moist.
  • Fruity Spin: Toss in some blueberries or dried cranberries instead of chocolate for a different flavor burst.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line your muffin tin with paper liners—this makes cleanup a breeze. Shred about 1 1/2 cups of zucchini (usually two small zucchinis), then if they look super watery, gently press the shreds in a clean towel to squeeze out excess moisture. This little step keeps your muffins from turning soggy and ensures the perfect crumb.

Step 2: Blend All Ingredients Except Chocolate

Pop everything but the chocolate chips into the blender—your shredded zucchini, oats, whole wheat flour, hemp seeds if you’re using them, pitted dates, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and sea salt. Blend until everything is combined into a smooth batter. It tends to be slightly thick, so don’t worry if it looks dense—that’s a good sign for hearty muffins.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Scoop Batter

Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl and fold in the chocolate chips by hand—this prevents the chocolate from breaking up too much. Then, spoon the batter evenly into the paper-lined muffin cups. I like to fill them nearly full for a nice domed top. Expect about 14 muffins from this batch.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake your muffins for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re just set—don’t overbake or they’ll dry out. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If you want to elevate their flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaked sea salt on top while they’re still warm. Let them cool for a few minutes before diving in.

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Pro Tips for Making Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Squeeze: Removing excess moisture from zucchini is key to avoiding soggy muffins—give those shreds a gentle squeeze!
  • Use Ripe Dates: The riper your Medjool dates, the sweeter and smoother your batter will become without needing extra sugar.
  • Paper Liners Are Your Friend: They make cleanup so much easier; I always recommend them instead of greasing muffin tins when using this recipe.
  • Timing is Everything: Keep an eye on baking times and don’t overbake—muffins continue cooking as they cool, so take them out when slightly underdone for best texture.

How to Serve Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Several golden-brown muffins sit on a cooling rack with brown paper liners, each topped with shiny dark chocolate chips scattered unevenly on their rough textured tops. Some chocolate chips appear slightly melted. The muffins have a slightly cracked surface showing their moist inside. A warm amber glass cup with a dark flower decoration sits nearby on a checked cloth over a metal tray. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt on warm muffins before serving—it brings out the chocolate flavor in a way that’s just irresistible. Sometimes, I’ll add a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey if I want a little extra sweetness for breakfast.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a creamy latte or a cup of herbal tea. For a light meal, I like serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt—both balance the sweet and wholesome flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Throwing these muffins into a pretty basket lined with a colorful napkin always wows guests at brunch. For kid parties, I’ve turned them into mini muffin pops by sticking lollipop sticks in after baking—super cute and easy to hold!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re planning to eat them within a day, keeping them out ensures they stay moist and tender without refrigeration.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! I pop them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. When you want one, just thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy a quick homemade snack anytime.

Reheating

To keep the texture just right, I reheat in a toaster oven if I have time; about 5 minutes at 300°F brings back that freshly baked softness with a slight crisp on top. Microwave works fine for a quick fix but can make them a little softer.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a food processor instead of a blender for this recipe?

    Absolutely! A food processor works just as well since it can blend the oats and zucchini smoothly. Just be sure not to over-process the batter, as you want some texture from the oats to stay intact.

  2. Do I really need to shred the zucchini? Can I use grated or chopped instead?

    Shredding zucchini is ideal because it distributes moisture evenly throughout the muffins, keeping them soft and tender. Grated zucchini works too, but finely chopped zucchini might make the texture uneven and slightly watery in spots.

  3. Can I substitute the chocolate chips for something healthier?

    Definitely! Nuts, dried fruits, or even carob chips can be great alternatives if you’re looking to reduce sugar or try different flavors while still enjoying those pockets of sweetness and texture.

  4. Why does this recipe use both oats and whole wheat flour?

    The oats provide a chewy texture and heartiness, while the whole wheat flour adds structure and a slight nutty flavor. This combination balances tenderness and sturdiness so your muffins hold together without being dense.

  5. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

    Look for lightly golden tops with edges just set. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—this means your muffins will stay soft and not dry out.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe is one of those easy, wholesome treats I find myself making over and over again. It’s quick, uses ingredients I almost always have on hand, and feels comforting yet nourishing with every bite. If you want to sneak some greens into a sweet snack without any fuss, these muffins really deliver—and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do.

Print
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Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 14 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins are a healthy and delicious treat combining shredded zucchini, oats, and chocolate chips for a moist, flavorful muffin perfect for breakfast or snacks.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (2 small)
  • 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or additional oats)
  • 2 tablespoons shelled hemp seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 14 muffin tins with paper liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine shredded zucchini, oats, whole wheat flour, hemp seeds (if using), pitted dates, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the batter from the blender and gently fold in the dark chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
  4. Fill Muffin Tins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin tins, filling each about three-quarters full.
  5. Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 minutes until the muffins are just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Optional Topping: Sprinkle flaked sea salt on top of the warm muffins if desired for an added flavor contrast.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy chocolate chip oatmeal zucchini muffins!

Notes

  • Shredded zucchini can be substituted with grated carrots or applesauce for a different flavor.
  • Whole wheat flour can be replaced by regular all-purpose flour if preferred.
  • Hemp seeds are optional and can be omitted or replaced with chopped nuts for added texture.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter.
  • Make sure to measure the shredded zucchini without excess moisture for best texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

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