• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Gift of Hospitality logo

  • Home
    • About
  • Recipes
  • Hospitality How-Tos
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
    • About
  • Recipes
  • Hospitality How-Tos
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Recipes » Brunch » Zucchini Muffins with Walnuts and Coconut

    Zucchini Muffins with Walnuts and Coconut

    Published: Jun 18, 2019 · Modified: Aug 25, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    zucchini muffins on a wire rack.
    zucchini muffins on a wire rack.

    These easy Zucchini Muffins are the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Shredded coconut and walnuts add an irresistible crunch! 

    zucchini muffins with walnuts and coconut on a wire rack.

    Grandma’s recipes are often the best recipes, aren’t they?

    This recipe for Zucchini Muffins with Walnuts and Coconut comes from my Grandma Verie. My mom lost most of her recipes to a basement flood several years ago, but I had snagged this one prior and kept it in my own recipe book.

    handwritten recipe for zucchini muffins.

    It was written on a piece of notebook paper. On the back of that paper lives a recipe for Boiled Cookies (which are no-bake chocolate cookies with peanut butter).

    I’m not sure of the recipe’s origins, but it creates super moist, tender muffins with lots of crunch.

    The muffins are relatively sweet and are packed with two medium zucchini, flaked coconut, and chopped walnuts. Along with a cup of coffee or tea, they are the perfect treat.

    Have some ripe bananas? Don’t miss this Zucchini Banana Bread!

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Top tips

    • Be sure to press all of the liquid out of the zucchini. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but get as much out as you can.
    • Gently stir the batter just until mixed. Over-mixing causes touch, chewy muffins.
    • See below for variations, like adding chocolate chips!

    Ingredients

    • The dry ingredients include flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
    • The wet ingredients include oil and eggs.
    • The mix-ins are zucchini, walnuts, and shredded coconut.

    How to make zucchini muffins with walnuts and coconut

    Start by grating the zucchini finely. Place it in a mesh colander and press down on it using a spatula. You could also use a wooden spoon, or even your hands.

    The goal is to press as much liquid out of the zucchini as possible.

    shredded zucchini in a mesh colander.

    Squeezing the zucchini ensures that the batter doesn’t end up soupy. Once the zucchini does not release any liquid when pressed, it is ready for the batter.

    Then, place the drained zucchini in a large bowl with the eggs, canola oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk to combine. Stir in the coconut and walnuts.

    Next, stir in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

    Then, fill 18 muffin cups with the batter.

    raw muffin batter in a muffin tin.

    I find that muffins rise the best when the muffin cups are not too full. I filled each muffin cup two-thirds full. If you fill them much more, the tops of the muffins don’t rise properly and you’re left with flat muffins.

    Bake the muffins for 18–20 minutes at 350°F, or until lightly golden on top.

    zucchini muffins on a wire rack.

    The star of the recipe is the coconut and walnuts. Zucchini doesn’t have much flavor, so it’s really just an ingredient used for moisture and texture (and maybe a little bit of green color).

    This allows for the coconut and walnuts to really stand out, complemented by the cinnamon in the batter.

    Can I freeze zucchini muffins?

    To freeze zucchini muffins, place the muffins in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish or in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature.

    zucchini muffins in a muffin tin.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should I peel zucchini before baking?

    There is no need to peel zucchini before baking with it. The skin is very tender and will melt right into whatever you’re baking. The skin does add a little bit of green color. So if you’re trying to disguise that there is zucchini in the dish, then you can peel it first.

    Can I leave out the coconut?

    Yes! You can just leave it out, or add more walnuts instead of the coconut.

    Why are my muffins flat on top?

    There are several reasons that muffins may be flat on top. Check the expiration dates on your leaveners, such as baking powder or baking soda. Replace any that are expired.
    Another reason is that the muffin tin may be filled too much. The muffin batter should come two-thirds of the way up. Any higher and the muffins could end up flat on top.

    How do I store zucchini muffins?

    Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for 5–6 days.

    Variations

    You can substitute any number of ingredients for the coconut and walnuts (or both). Here are a few ideas:

    • Chocolate chips
    • Mini chocolate chips
    • Chopped pecans
    • Fresh blueberries
    • Dried cherries or cranberries
    • Poppy seeds (1–2 tablespoons)
    zucchini muffins next to a fresh zucchini on a wire rack.

    These Zucchini Muffins are soft and tender, with a lightly crisp exterior and a perfectly domed top. I love them halved, warmed up slightly, and with a pat of butter on top!

    You can find more of Grandma’s recipes here:
    Grandma’s Cocoa Drops
    Grandma’s Do Re Mi Cookies
    Grandma’s Boiled Cookies (No Bake Chocolate Cookies)

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.
    zucchini muffins with coconut and walnuts on a wire rack.

    Grandma’s Zucchini Muffins with Walnuts and Coconut

    Published by Kate
    This recipe for Grandma’s Zucchini Muffins is straight from grandma’s handwritten recipe! They’re light and fluffy, and full of shredded coconut and chopped walnuts.
    4.24 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 18 muffins
    Calories 201 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups grated zucchini
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¾ cup brown sugar
    • 2 cups flour
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
    • ½ cup chopped walnuts

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two 12-cup muffin tins with cooking spray.
    • Place grated zucchini in a mesh colander. Squeeze the water out of the zucchini either with a spatula or with clean hands until water is no longer released when squeezed.
    • Place the drained zucchini in a large bowl with the eggs, canola oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk to combine.
    • Add the flour, sea salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Stir in the coconut and walnuts.
    • Use an ice cream scoop to fill each cup of the muffin tins two-thirds full. I got 18 muffins out of this recipe, so you may not use all of the muffin cups.
    • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Run a butter knife gently around the muffins to release them from the pan. Place the muffins on a wire rack until cool.

    Notes

    You do not need to peel the zucchini before shredding it.
    Take care not to over-mix the batter, which can make the muffins chewy. 
    Substitute pecans or chocolate chips for the walnuts and coconut if you’d like. 
    The muffins can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer safe container or resealable freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 148mgPotassium: 124mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword zucchini muffins
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

    Related recipes

    • Carrot Muffins
    • Apple Oatmeal Muffins
    • Rhubarb Muffins with Pecan Streusel
    • Easy Zucchini Banana Bread
    « Grilled Peaches with Honey Whipped Cream
    Grilled Salmon with Nectarine Salsa »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    kate

    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Winter Recipes

    bowl of potato soup topped with chopped bacon and parsley.

    Old Fashioned Potato Soup

    beef stroganoff with mushrooms on a bed of egg noodles on a white plate.

    Beef Stroganoff with Cream of Mushroom Soup

    cheesy mashed potatoes in a green bowl, topped with chives and shredded cheddar.

    Extra Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    stuffed green pepper in a gray casserole dish with other stuffed bell peppers.

    Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

    old fashioned sloppy joes meat on a brioche bun with pickles.

    Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

    tuna noodle casserole with potato chips in a white dish.

    Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

    More Winter Recipes Here....

    Most Popular Recipes

    slice of sausage and egg casserole on a white plate.

    Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

    asian cabbage salad in a blue and white decorative bowl.

    Asian Cabbage Salad

    crock pot pork chops in sauce on a white oval platter.

    Crockpot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup

    slice of ding dong cake in a cake pan with more ding dong cake in the pan.

    Easy Ding Dong Cake

    french toast casserole in a white casserole dish.

    Overnight French Toast Casserole

    ritz cracker sandwiches stacked on a white platter

    RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches

    Desserts of the Decades

    Get vintage dessert recipes from throughout the decades, straight to your inbox!

    Web Stories

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Work with me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright Gift of Hospitality © 2022