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Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe

If you’re anything like me, mornings are a whirlwind, and having a quick, wholesome breakfast on hand is a game-changer. That’s why I adore this Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe — it’s effortless, packed with goodness, and just the right amount of chocolatey comfort to kickstart your day. Plus, sneaking veggies into muffins? Genius, right?

This recipe is one of those kitchen gems I turn to when I want something healthy yet indulgent without spending forever mixing bowls or dirtying tons of dishes. The blender does all the work for you, making it perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or even a cozy weekend bake. You’ll love how these muffins stay moist and tender from the zucchini, with the oats adding heartiness and texture that actually satisfies.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick and Easy: Everything comes together in the blender for a super-fast prep time, saving you cleanup and stress.
  • Moist and Flavorful: The shredded zucchini keeps the muffins wonderfully moist while the chocolate chips add just the right sweet touch.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Old fashioned oats and whole wheat flour bring fiber and heartiness, while dates and maple syrup naturally sweeten without refined sugar.
  • Versatile: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe has a purpose and complements the others beautifully. Using a blend of oats and whole wheat flour gives structure and fiber, while the melted butter and eggs provide richness and moisture to create a tender crumb. Here’s a little insight on what makes these ingredients shine together.

  • Shredded zucchini: Adds moisture and subtle veggie goodness without overpowering the flavor.
  • Old fashioned oats: Gives a wonderful chewy texture and heartiness to the muffins.
  • Whole wheat flour: Brings nuttiness and added fiber; you can swap it for more oats if you prefer gluten-free.
  • Shelled hemp seeds: Optional, but a great boost of plant-based protein and omega-3s.
  • Pitted Medjool dates: Natural sweetness with a caramel-like depth; soak briefly if they’re too dry.
  • Pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a hint of flavor complexity without refined sugars.
  • Salted butter: Melted to fold in smoothly and keeps muffins tender with a rich taste.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and help with rise and structure.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors for a homey, warm aroma.
  • Baking soda: Gives lift and lightness to keep muffins from becoming dense.
  • Sea salt: Balances sweetness; a sprinkle on top after baking creates a lovely contrast.
  • Dark chocolate chips: Bursts of melty chocolate make every bite a treat.
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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe is so you can really make it your own. Whether I’m feeling extra indulgent or want a lighter version, swapping a few things keeps it fresh and tailored to what I need that day.

  • Gluten-Free Version: I sometimes use gluten-free oats and almond flour instead of whole wheat flour for friends who avoid gluten, and it turns out beautifully.
  • Nut-Free Swap: Skip the hemp seeds if you’re nut or seed sensitive — the muffins are still moist and tasty.
  • Add a Spice Kick: Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice stirred in gives extra warmth that’s perfect for fall mornings.
  • Extra Mix-Ins: Feel free to toss in nuts like walnuts or dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips for more texture.

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

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini and Oven

I start by shredding about 1½ cups of zucchini — usually two small ones do the trick. I don’t bother squeezing out the moisture because the batter handles it well and it actually keeps the muffins super moist. While shredding, I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 14-cup muffin tin with paper liners to save cleanup time later.

Step 2: Blend All But the Chocolate

Into the blender go the zucchini, oats, whole wheat flour, hemp seeds (if using), dates, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and sea salt. I pulse until the mixture is creamy and smooth but still has some texture — this usually takes about 30-40 seconds depending on your blender. Blend too long and the oats might get too mushy.

Step 3: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Fill Muffin Tin

Once blended, I transfer the batter to a bowl and gently fold in one cup of dark chocolate chips. This keeps the chips from breaking down in the blender and ensures every muffin has pockets of melty chocolate. Then, I spoon the batter evenly into the liners – I find about 14 muffins worth here.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes until the muffins are just set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Check around 18 minutes so they don’t overbake, which can dry them out. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after they come out of the oven—this little trick amps up the chocolate flavor deliciously.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overblend: Blend just until combined to keep a nice texture and avoid gummy muffins.
  • Moisture Check: No need to squeeze your zucchini—trust that the oats and flour will balance moisture perfectly.
  • Use Fresh Dates: Fresh, soft Medjool dates blend easier; if yours are dry, soak them for 10 minutes in warm water.
  • Chocolate Mix-In Timing: Always fold chocolate chips in after blending to avoid overprocessing or discoloration.

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 usually like to add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking—it really deepens the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness beautifully. Sometimes I’ll swipe on a little almond butter or cream cheese if I want an extra creamy contrast that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a fuller breakfast, I’ll serve them alongside Greek yogurt sprinkled with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad — it’s bright, refreshing, and balances the richness of the muffins.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or kids’ parties, I like arranging these muffins on a pretty tiered stand with fresh fruit and small bowls of nut butter or honey for dipping. Wrapping each muffin in parchment and tying with a little twine makes a charming grab-and-go gift if you’re bringing snacks to friends or neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within 2 days. They stay moist and fresh, but if my kitchen is warm, I’ll move them to the fridge to keep them from getting too soft or sticky.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. When I want one, I just pull it out the night before to thaw in the fridge or pop it directly in the toaster oven for a quick warm-up.

Reheating

I like reheating these muffins in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep the texture nice and cakey. Microwaving is fastest but sometimes makes muffins a bit gummy, so I avoid it if I can.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! A food processor works just as well to combine the zucchini, oats, dates, and other ingredients. Just pulse until you reach the right batter consistency without overprocessing, so the texture stays nice.

  2. What’s the best way to shred zucchini for these muffins?

    I find using the coarse side of a box grater works perfectly. If you don’t have one, a food processor with a shredding attachment speeds things up enormously. No need to squeeze out excess moisture unless your zucchini is particularly watery.

  3. Can I substitute chocolate chips for something else?

    Sure thing! If you’re not chocolate fans, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a handful of fresh blueberries are tasty alternatives that mix well into the batter after blending.

  4. How long do these muffins keep fresh?

    These muffins are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer freshness, refrigerate and consume within a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

  5. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! To veganize, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine, and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). The texture will be slightly different but still delightful.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, forgiving, and always hits the spot when I want something nourishing yet a bit indulgent. I’m sure once you try it, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to sneak in veggies while still satisfying any sweet-tooth cravings. Give it a go — your mornings (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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Blender Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Zucchini Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • 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 wholesome, delicious treat packed with shredded zucchini, oats, and dark chocolate chips. Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and maple syrup, these muffins are easy to make using a blender, making them perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack.


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. 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 Medjool dates, maple syrup, melted salted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add chocolate chips: Remove the batter from the blender and gently fold in the dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Fill muffin tins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin tins, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room to rise.
  5. Bake muffins: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 22 minutes, or until they are just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Optional finishing touch: Once baked, you may sprinkle a little flaked sea salt over the warm muffins for added flavor if desired.
  7. Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the tins. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • You can substitute whole wheat flour with additional oats for a gluten-free option, but the texture may be denser.
  • Medjool dates add natural sweetness; if unavailable, use an equal amount of another soft dried fruit like raisins or apricots.
  • The shelled hemp seeds are optional but add a boost of protein and healthy fats.
  • Ensure not to overblend to maintain some texture in the batter.
  • Storing muffins in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh up to 3 days; refrigerate for longer shelf life.
  • This recipe makes 14 muffins, perfect for meal prep or sharing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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