Bite into soft zucchini muffins topped with crunchy streusel and discover the perfect combination of moistness and texture in every bite. These Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping are ideal for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a delightful brunch treat. The tender crumb balanced by a buttery, cinnamon-spiced streusel creates an irresistible flavor experience that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re sneaking in vegetables or simply craving something sweet with a bit of crunch, this recipe offers a delicious solution you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Moisture: The grated zucchini keeps the muffins incredibly tender and moist without any fuss.
Perfect Crunch: The streusel topping adds a sweet, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft muffin.
Simple Ingredients: Made with common kitchen staples, it’s easy to whip up any time.
Healthy Surprise: Sneak veggies into your diet in a way that feels indulgent but nourishing.
Great for All Occasions: These muffins are versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create moistness, flavor, and texture. Each adds a special touch, from the fresh zucchini providing moisture and subtle sweetness to the cinnamon-spiced streusel topping that brings crunch and warmth.

Grated zucchini: Adds natural moisture and a mild, fresh flavor without overpowering the muffins.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the muffins.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps balance the zucchini’s earthiness.
Butter: Provides richness and contributes to a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add protein for structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents for a light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, especially within the streusel topping.
Brown sugar and flour (for streusel): Creates the crunchy topping with a caramelized flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Variations for Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping

Feel free to personalize your zucchini muffins to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. This recipe is incredibly versatile, making substitutions and additions easy to customize your perfect batch every time.

Add nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Go gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
Spice variations: Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a different warm spice profile.
Add fruits: Mix in blueberries or raisins to introduce bursts of sweetness and texture.
Reduce sugar: Substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural touch.

Moist Zucchini Muffins with Irresistible Streusel Crunch

How to Make Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until coarse crumbs form, then set aside in the fridge while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Grate and Squeeze Zucchini

Grate fresh zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to keep the muffins from becoming too wet.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices for consistent flavor and rise.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. The creamed butter and sugar help create a tender texture.

Step 5: Fold in Zucchini and Dry Mix

Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture followed by the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and maintain softness.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel

Spoon the batter evenly into a prepared muffin tin lined with paper liners or greased. Sprinkle generously with the chilled streusel topping, pressing lightly to help it adhere.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The muffins should be beautifully risen with a crisp topping.

Pro Tips for Making Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping

Don’t skip squeezing zucchini: Removing excess moisture prevents soggy muffins.
Use cold butter in streusel: Cold butter creates better texture for a crunchy topping.
Avoid overmixing: Stir batter gently to keep muffins light and tender.
Check oven temperature: An oven thermometer helps ensure accurate baking temperature.
Test with toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the middle to check doneness every few minutes after 20 minutes.

How to Serve Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a smear of cream cheese frosting to make these muffins feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your zucchini muffins with fresh fruit like berries or melon, or enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these muffins on a rustic wooden board with small jars of honey or jam for a charming brunch display that will impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover zucchini muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week to preserve freshness.

Freezing

Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat briefly in a preheated oven to revive the crunch of the streusel topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Fresh zucchini is best, but you can use frozen if you thaw and thoroughly drain it to prevent excess moisture in the muffins.

How do I make these muffins vegan?

Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Can I make these muffins without the streusel topping?

Absolutely, the muffins are delicious on their own, though the streusel adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

What’s the best way to grate zucchini?

Use the large holes on a box grater and squeeze out the liquid by wrapping grated zucchini in a clean towel and pressing gently.

How long do these zucchini muffins stay fresh?

They’re best eaten within 2 days at room temperature, or kept refrigerated for up to one week with a good seal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines softness, moisture, and a delightful crunch, these Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping truly hit the spot. They’re a perfect way to enjoy vegetables sneakily and sweetly, while also providing you that cozy feeling of a homemade treat. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite muffin!

Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping

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Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft and moist zucchini muffins topped with a crunchy, buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or brunch, these muffins combine tender crumb with sweet, spiced crunch and a subtle fresh flavor from grated zucchini. A delicious way to sneak veggies into a sweet treat everyone will enjoy.

Instructions

Prepare the Streusel Topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until coarse crumbs form. Set aside in the refrigerator while preparing the batter.
Grate and Squeeze Zucchini: Grate fresh zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy muffins.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
Fold in Zucchini and Dry Mix: Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and to keep muffins tender.
Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel: Spoon the batter evenly into a prepared muffin tin lined with paper liners or greased. Sprinkle generously with the chilled streusel topping, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Muffins should be risen with a crisp topping.

Notes

Don’t skip squeezing zucchini out to avoid soggy muffins.
Use cold butter for a crunchy streusel topping texture.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep muffins light and tender.
Check oven temperature with a thermometer for accurate baking.
Test doneness with a toothpick inserted after 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 220
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Variations for Zucchini Muffins with Streusel Topping