Citrusy Zucchini Muffins

Citrusy Zucchini Muffins | Neighborfoodblog.com
I know what you’re thinking:  I can…not….eat….one….more….zucchini.

Or maybe it’s more like Please dear God make them stop!

Or perhaps you’re wondering how you can use the next giant zucchini you pick as a weapon against all the other invading zucchinis.

At any rate, you’re probably done with zucchini.

Well friends, don’t be.

Citrusy Zucchini Muffins | Neighborfoodblog.com

No seriously. I know you’ve grilled it, stirred it into soups, stacked it on sandwiches, mixed it into pasta salads, and even tossed it with quinoa, but there’s one more recipe you simply must try.

Muuuuuuuuuust try I tell you!

These Citrusy Zucchini Muffins are unlike any other zucchini bread/muffin/cake I’ve ever had. Usually zucchini breads are dense and loaded with spices.

I like those recipes. Really, I do.

But guys. This recipe BLOWS THEM OUTTA THE WATER. These muffins are light and fluffy with a perfect tender crumb. There’s not a speck of spice in them. Instead, lemon and orange zest adds a bright, fruity note to the muffins that is super refreshing and summery.

The batter smells amazing, so of course I just had to dip a finger in to give it a try. Let’s just say, I only got 23 baked muffins out of my double batch. Whoopsies!

Citrusy Zucchini Muffins | Neighborfoodblog.com

These can easily be adapted to fit your tastes. The original recipe calls for lemon zest and raisins, but I’ve also made them with orange zest, and I actually like to swap cranberries in for the raisins. You can make them with or without nuts.

One thing is for sure, you’re going to want to make a double batch. Trust me on this one, 1 dozen of these bright fluffy muffins will not be enough. (P.S. You can freeze these. Hollah!)

This recipe comes from The King Arthur Flour Baker’s Companion, and it is a perfect example of why I love this cookbook. It’s full of comforting classics like crumb coffeecake and flaky biscuits, but it’s also got new takes on old favorites, like these zucchini muffins or apple and cheddar stuffed french toast.

It’s got everything you can possibly think to bake–muffins, pancakes, baguettes, croissants, cake, pies, cookies, donuts, and scones. Plus, sprinkled throughout the cookbook are tons of helpful tips explaining the methods and ingredients for recipes. Each recipe comes with a thorough nutritional evaluation, a brief description of the recipe, and suggestions for serving.

My copy is filled with dog eared pages and grease stains–the signs of a cookbook well used and well loved. This is truly one you’re going to want to make room for on your bookshelf.

Citrusy Zucchini Muffins | Neighborfoodblog.com

And King Arthur products go beyond flour to all sorts of baked goods–cocoa, vanillas, yeast, even sprinkles! The Mr. is a big fan of their chocolate jimmies–he’d put them on everything if I let him.  So check them out, and be sure to sign up for their newsletter if you want baking tips and recipes delivered right to your inbox.

Citrusy Zucchini Muffins | Neighborfoodblog.com

And guys? I just want to say thank you. This blog has been such a blessing in my life, and it’s all because of you! I treasure each of your comments and absolutely love hearing from you, whether here on the blog, on Facebook, or on Twitter. Thank you for reading along, commenting, sharing feedback, and putting up with all my craziness. I wish I could give you all a big fat hug! You’re the best!

Zucchini Citrus Muffins

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Grated zest from one lemon (you can also use orange zest or a mix of both)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup packed shredded zucchini

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 12 cup muffin tray.
  • Place cranberries in a 1 cup measuring cup and cover with warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes then drain and squeeze excess water out with a paper towel.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest in a medium sized bowl. Stir in the walnuts and cranberries.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, and oil. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the wet ingredients in. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir the batter until barely combined. Gently fold in the zucchini.
  • Spoon batter into muffin cups--you'll fill them nearly to the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops spring back when touched. Remove from the oven, cool for 5-10 minutes, then turn out of the pan to finish cooling.
  • Did you make this recipe?

    Leave a review, or head over to Instagram and share a photo! Tag your projects with #neighborfoodies!


    Want to see what other recipes I’ve gotten from the King Arthur Flour Baker’s Companion? Here are just a few of my favorites:

    Morning Glory Muffins– Hands down my favorite muffin of all time.

    morning glory muffins 2

    Banana Split Bundt Cake– Moist banana cake with a rich chocolate glaze and swirls of chocolate and strawberry throughout. Um yeah, it’s a pretty good idea.

    Banana-split-bundt-cake-1-x-1-1024x1024

    Cream Tea Scones— I made these for a Downton Abbey viewing and loved them. I usually have trouble with scones being too crumbly, dry, or bland, but these were the perfect texture.

    Blackberry-Jam-Scones_

    And finally, my favorite chocolate frosting, found on these Double Chocolate Cupcakes.

    choc cup 4

    55 Comments

    1. used to live in Norwich, VT and Loved going into the King Arthur Flour store! One of the things I miss most about VT. I like to make anything but the banana split bundt cake sounds seriously yummy!

    2. I’d love to have that crumbcake recipe! Thanks for the giveaway and keep up the good work! ๐Ÿ™‚

    3. These muffins look pretty awesome, and since I am up to my ears in zucchini, I’ll prob be trying it out very soon!

    4. I’m sure all the recipes in the book are fantastic. I’d probably start with a cake or muffins!

    5. i love love love kaf! i think half of my kitchen is outfitted through them, lol. i especially love their fiore de sicillia flavoring-yum ๐Ÿ™‚ if i win, i think the first think i will bake is a good ciabatta bread. thanks for such a yummy and useful giveaway!

    6. I can’t participate as I’m from Malaysia but I think the best prize for me is this recipe! Zucchini is not very common here and it’s something I’ve only recently discovered. Because of it’s rarity, it’s rather expensive. I tried a few zuchini bread recipes and my purse hurt because they turned out a soggy mess. Have got to try this recipe! Hope it works for me this time ๐Ÿ™‚

    7. I would love to make those morning glory muffins! And just browse a new cookbook’s pages. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.