This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.
If your garden is overflowing with zucchini, these double chocolate zucchini muffins are exactly what you need. They’re rich, fudgy, incredibly moist, and packed with melty chocolate chips, so much so that no one will ever guess there’s a vegetable hiding inside.

We make these every summer when zucchini season rolls around, and somehow they disappear faster than I can bake them. Between the rich chocolate flavor and unbelievably soft texture, no one ever suspects they’re packed with zucchini. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and the perfect excuse to have chocolate for breakfast.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

- Rich and fudgy like chocolate cake
- No mixer required
- Perfect way to use fresh garden zucchini
- Extra moist thanks to the zucchini
- Freezer-friendly
- Kid-approved
- Ready in under an hour
- Better than bakery muffins
- No one will ever guess there’s zucchini inside
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples plus fresh zucchini to make these rich and fudgy muffins.
- Zucchini: Keeps the muffins incredibly moist without adding vegetable flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the batter together while creating a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and keeps them soft.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Oil: Makes these muffins stay soft for days.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds richness and keeps the crumb extra tender.
- Flour: Gives the muffins structure without making them heavy.
- Cocoa Powder: Gives the muffins their rich chocolate base.
- Baking Soda: Helps the muffins rise and stay tender.
- Baking Powder: Gives the muffins extra lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate shine.
- Chocolate Chips: Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout every muffin.
How to Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
These double chocolate zucchini muffins come together with just one bowl, a whisk, and a spatula. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Whisk together the eggs, sugars, oil, vanilla, sour cream, and shredded zucchini.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter with a rubber spatula.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter between muffin cups, filling each nearly full. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired, then bake until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the muffins rest in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Variations
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Use dark chocolate chips.
- Swap milk chocolate chips.
- Add espresso powder to intensify the chocolate.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops.
How to Prep Zucchini for Muffins
Don’t Peel It. The skin is thin and softens as the muffins bake, so there’s no need to peel your zucchini.
Don’t Squeeze It Dry. Unlike some zucchini recipes, you want all that moisture here. It helps create soft, tender muffins.
Shred It Finely. Use the small holes on a box grater so the zucchini disappears into the batter.
Freeze It for Later. Shred extra zucchini and freeze it in measured portions for baking all year long.

Tips for the BEST Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Don’t overmix the batter or the muffins can become dense.
- Fill the muffin cups almost to the top for tall bakery-style muffins.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the tops before baking.
- Let the batter rest for 15–20 minutes if you have time for even taller domes.
- Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Warm one in the microwave for about 15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffin FAQs
No. The peel softens during baking and blends right into the muffins.
Not for this recipe. The moisture is what keeps the muffins soft and fudgy.
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Yes! Frozen shredded zucchini works great in these muffins. Thaw it first and gently stir any released juices back into the zucchini before adding it to the batter. Those extra juices help keep the muffins moist.
Dry muffins are usually caused by overbaking or adding too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, and remove the muffins from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Absolutely! Fill mini muffin tins about ¾ full and start checking for doneness after 10–12 minutes. Since oven times vary, keep an eye on them and bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Yes! Head to our Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread post for the full recipe!

These double chocolate zucchini muffins are proof that zucchini belongs in dessert just as much as it does in dinner. Rich, moist, and loaded with chocolate, they’re the perfect way to use up summer zucchini while giving everyone an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast. Don’t be surprised if no one ever guesses there’s a vegetable hiding inside!
More Easy Muffin Recipes:
- Blueberry Muffins
- Cranberry Sauce Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Muffins
- Mom’s BEST Zucchini Muffins
- Banana Bread Muffins
- ALL OF OUR SWEET BREAKFAST RECIPES!






These are lovely! I followed the recipe exactly, with the exception of the chocolate chips. I didn’t have any mini’s, so I used the regular size. I put 3/4 cup in the batter, and used a 1/4 cup to sprinkle a few on top. I needed little more time in the oven. About 20 minutes instead of 15.
Thank you so much for the comment Erin! So glad you enjoyed these muffins!
I just made these muffins a few days ago and they are so good! They are super moist and really chocolatey. I love that they aren’t to sweet. They are really fluffy almost like a cupcake and their tops were a bit Flat but that could be because I didn’t leave an empty space in between each one while baking. You can’t even taste the zucchini. Thanks for the recipe!
Love to hear this! Thank you Mila!
So easy and so good!
Thank you so much Haley!
The best muffins I’ve ever had!
Thank you so much Jenn!!
These are great! Moist, chocolatey heaven. I like that they aren’t overly sweet. I have made them twice and replaced the veg oil with coconut oil and prefer the flavor even a little more now. My 4 and 1 year old also love them. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
Yay! Love to hear this so much! Thanks Leah!
I just made these and my family loves them! I substituted coconut oil, but otherwise followed the recipe. I may have not squished enough of the moisture out of the zucchini, because they took a bit longer to bake, roughly 23 minutes at 350. We have a monster zucchini plant in our garden, and I suspect we will be making a lot more if these!
Thank you so much Kristine! This is one of my favorite ways to use up all the zucchinis from the garden!
This was so good! I did switch out sour cream with yogurt and it worked great. I couldn’t taste the zucchini and the texture was just like a normal chocolate muffin so a bit dense. Only thing was the smell of it was a bit strange but not repulsive and didn’t affect the taste. Great recipe, definitely one I’ll make again.
Thank you so much for the feedback Logan!
Hey! These are super tasty.
I was just curious if there was any substitution you’d recommend for vegetable oil? 🙂
Hi Rosie! The best substitute would be canola oil. You could also use olive oil but you’ll be able to taste it slightly.
You can use Avocado Oil instead of vegetable oil. It’s healthier and you can’t taste it in the muffin.
Thanks for the feedback Sarah!
These were absolutely delicious! Made 14 muffins baked 20 mins. Used 2 12pc pans trying to keep them separate.
@treatmesweeetly
Thank you so much Gail! Thank you for taking time to leave us some feedback!
These are amazing.. so moist and delicious. I agree with another reviewers comment that they taste like brownies.
Will definitely be making these again.
Yay! Love to hear this! Thanks so much Tracey!