Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur preferred)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (freshly ground recommended)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Additions
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
Topping
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking. Liners are recommended for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg until evenly combined to distribute spices and leaveners well.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp almond extract until smooth and uniform to help create a consistent muffin texture.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir or fold just until combined without visible flour, taking care not to overmix to avoid dense muffins.
- Fold in the Grated Zucchini: Gently fold 2 cups grated and well-squeezed dry zucchini into the batter until evenly distributed, adding moisture and texture.
- Fill Muffin Tin and Add Crunchy Sugar Topping: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling cups almost to the top. Sprinkle extra granulated sugar on each muffin to create a sweet, crisp topping after baking.
- Bake and Cool the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the texture to set properly.
Notes
- Using freshly ground cinnamon enhances the spice flavor significantly.
- Squeezing the grated zucchini well prevents soggy muffins.
- Room temperature eggs improve batter emulsification for better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain softness and avoid density.
- Full-fat sour cream produces the best moistness and richness in the muffins.
- Paper liners simplify cleanup and reduce sticking.
- The sugar topping adds a delightful texture contrast with a sweet, crisp finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian