Zucchini Brownie Bite Muffins

Every year when zucchini is fresh and coming up abundantly I seem to remember again how much I love chocolate and zucchini together. It always turns out so moist and rich and chewy and wonderful.  So today when I woke up early ready to bake up a treat for my kiddos and some friends- it was this combo on my mind (and stomach!)

These minis could be a dessert, a treat, a snack...OR...breakfast ;) I am calling these little babies Brownie Bite MUFFINS instead of CAKES because that is just what they are of course.  Topped with a little sprinkle of mini chocolate chips :) So call them what you will, I decided to call them muffins because they are hearty and wonderful and full of goodness. The chocolate is just the disguise...and it sure is a trickster to mask a vegetable-filled muffin.

Zucchini Brownie Bite Muffin Recipe

{gluten, dairy, egg, nut, seed, soy and refined-sugar-free}

1 1/3 cup of fresh ground certified GF oat flour
2/3 cup of white rice flour
1/4 cup of tapioca flour
1/2 cup of cocoa/cacao powder
2 ts. of baking powder (corn-free Hain brand)
1 ts. of baking soda
1 ts. of sea salt
1/2 ts. of ground cinnamon
3/4 cup of coconut palm sugar

2/3 cup of coconut milk beverage (or other plant milk)
1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of maple syrup
2 TB of molasses
1/2 cup of date puree paste
optional addition: 1/2 cup of mashed cooked black beans
1/2 cup of soft melted coconut oil (or avocado oil)
1 1/2 cup of freshly shredded/grated zucchini

1 cup of mini-dairy-free chocolate chips (ENJOY LIFE brand)

In a large bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together first, then add in all the wet and whisk together well. I grate 1 large or 2 small zucchini right before I add it to the bowl so it is super fresh and if it is super wet you can squeeze out some of the excess water. I lastly fold in the chocolate chips and then even save a little sprinkle of chips to top the unbaked muffins for the added touch of chocolate goodness. I made these as mini muffins so the recipe made a ton...36 minis. But you can make about 18 large mufins too. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 22 minutes until stiff and baked all the way through for the mini muffins and you may need to bake closer to 30 minutes for the larger regular sized muffins. Pull from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before you eat just so to don't burn your taste buds. You're gunna want to keep those safe ;)

I hope you give these sweet treat snacks a try. A special treat this time of year with zucchini coming up in droves and you're struggling to come up with ways to use it all. Seriously friend- this is a muffin to make... so stop now and make these and your day will be complete. Share with friends and bring joy- you won't regret it.

Much love to you as always xoxo