Did you know you can put vegetables (even beans, believe it or not) into your baked goods and still have them taste incredible? As mentioned in my recent post (vegan banana bread), we’re gearing up for a huge cooked vegetarian retreat, therefore I’ve had the fortune to get back in the kitchen – but this time with the oven.
 
Although I eat all raw, I love baking for loved ones and guests! These muffins will be served for breakfast for the lovely Animar retreat arriving…tomorrow!
With some fresh honey, melted vegan chocolate chips on top… oooh, they’ll be well received. Plus, they’re incredibly simple, therefore you can make them, too!

{Cooked, Vegan} Chocolate-Zucchini Muffins

Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 12
 
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup Whole Wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup unsweetened Cocoa (I used raw cacao, still worked great)
1 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
3/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 whole Banana, mashed
1/2 cup Raw Sugar
1/4 cup Almond Milk (or other plant-based milk)
1/2 cup, unsweetened Apple Sauce
1 cup shredded zucchini
(Optional): 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips or 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350F. Grease muffin pan and set aside. (Coconut oil is a great high-heat oil option to grease the inside of muffin tins).
2)  Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together. In another bowl, cream mashed banana with applesauce and sugar. Add in almond milk, vanilla, zucchini and any other optional add-ins you might like such as vegan chocolate chips or chopped raw walnuts. Stir until evenly combined.

3) Add flour mix to wet mix in 3-4 batches and stir until just combined. Spoon batter into greased muffin pan and bake 18-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Enjoy the food that loves you back! If you’re transitioning to healthier fare, snacks such as these are still a better option than processed, highly refined, and chemical-additive versions commonly sold in stores. Fresh is always best, plus it’s so fun to be in the kitchen.

Until next time cuties!
Next… Raw Lasagna!

XOXO Mandy