Chocolate Veggie Muffins Recipe for Healthy Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Chocolate muffins are a classic favorite for many, but what if you could sneak in some veggies without sacrificing that rich, chocolaty flavor? Enter chocolate veggie muffins—a delightful fusion of indulgence and nutrition.

These muffins pack in the goodness of vegetables like zucchini or carrots, which add moisture and subtle sweetness, making them incredibly tender and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack, a nutritious breakfast treat, or a fun way to get kids to eat more veggies, this recipe has got you covered.

Plus, these muffins are easy to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step to create the perfect batch of chocolate veggie muffins. You’ll find a comprehensive list of ingredients, equipment needed, detailed instructions, and plenty of tips to customize your muffins.

Ready to bake some guilt-free chocolatey goodness? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate veggie muffin recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it cleverly incorporates vegetables like zucchini, which keep the muffins moist without adding any overpowering veggie taste.

The chocolate flavor remains front and center, satisfying your sweet tooth while adding an extra boost of nutrients.

Secondly, these muffins are versatile and easy to customize. Want to make them vegan?

No problem—swap out eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives. Looking for gluten-free options?

I’ve got you covered with simple substitutions. They also freeze beautifully, so you can bake once and enjoy for weeks.

Lastly, they’re a wonderful way to add more veggies into your diet without feeling like you’re missing out on dessert. Perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even a healthier dessert option, these chocolate veggie muffins are a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)

Equipment

  • Muffin tin (12-cup capacity)
  • Muffin liners or non-stick spray
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Grater (for zucchini and carrot)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly.
  2. Prepare the zucchini and carrot: Grate the zucchini and carrot finely. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid soggy muffins.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the brown sugar until well combined.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Mix wet into dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
  6. Add the grated veggies: Fold in the grated zucchini and carrot along with the chocolate chips and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool: Remove from oven and let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Enjoy! Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“Squeezing the zucchini is key to preventing soggy muffins and ensuring the perfect texture.”

Use different veggies: You can swap zucchini or carrot for finely grated beetroot or sweet potato for a different flavor and color.

Make it vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it fully vegan.

Add spices: Enhance the flavor with 1 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to complement the chocolate.

Sweetness options: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different taste profile.

Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free without compromising texture.

Storage: Freeze muffins individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Muffin (1 of 12)
Calories 190 kcal
Carbohydrates 28 g
Protein 4 g
Fat 7 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 14 g
Iron 1.5 mg

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate veggie muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a variety of accompaniments. Spread a little almond butter or peanut butter on a warm muffin for a protein-rich snack.

Pair with a cup of coffee or your favorite tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.

For a more indulgent experience, serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. These muffins also pair well with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding freshness.

If you want to add a bit of contrast, try spreading some tangy cream cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative alongside your muffin for a delightful balance of flavors.

Conclusion

Chocolate veggie muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy a treat that feels indulgent but also packs a nutritional punch. By incorporating grated zucchini and carrot, this recipe adds moisture, fiber, and vitamins without sacrificing the rich chocolate flavor we all love.

Whether you’re baking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a healthier dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy.

Easy to customize and adaptable to vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary preferences, they can fit seamlessly into any lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies and spices to make this recipe your own.

For more wholesome and delicious plant-based recipes, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals. Also, if you enjoy adding spices to your cooking, you might find the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend a handy addition to your kitchen.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some chocolatey, veggie-packed muffins that everyone will love!

📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Veggie Muffins

Description: Delicious and moist chocolate muffins packed with hidden veggies for a nutritious treat. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add grated zucchini and carrot to the wet ingredients and mix well.
  5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips gently.
  7. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 24 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chocolate Veggie Muffins”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious and moist chocolate muffins packed with hidden veggies for a nutritious treat. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “12 muffins”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup grated zucchini”, “1/2 cup grated carrot”, “1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup cocoa powder”, “1 teaspoon baking soda”, “1/2 teaspoon baking powder”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “3/4 cup brown sugar”, “1/2 cup vegetable oil”, “2 large eggs”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/2 cup milk”, “1/2 cup dark chocolate chips”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add grated zucchini and carrot to the wet ingredients and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in chocolate chips gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “9 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “24 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X