Perfect Pumpkin Spice Muffins (Guest Recipe)

Posted on by Andy De Santis

Guess what everyone…… it’s PUMPKIN SPICE SEASON!  Lucky for me, I have a loyal legion of guest recipe contributors and today’s epic entry is coming to you from fellow Canadian dietitian Angela Wallace.

She’s put together some unbelievably healthy, unbelievably delicious that are centered around using  pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin Spice Zucchini Muffins

By Angela Wallace MS RD

Even though the trees are still green, back to school season tends to make me think FALL. Fall is my absolute favourite season from the changing leaf colours, to the crisp air, thanksgiving, boots with jeans, and of course everything PUMPKIN!

However, fall isn’t here just yet and my counter is still full of fresh farm veggies (including tons of zucchini). I decided to experiment with my healthy banana muffin recipe and create a summer-fall fusion muffin.

These muffins are incredible. They use zucchini, have the fall pumpkin spice flavour, are low in sugar, and a good source of fibre and protein. They are filled with nutritious ingredients, but delicious enough to taste like a treat. I hope you are embracing this in between season time. If you get a chance give this pumpkin spice zucchini muffin recipe a try, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar

  • 1 tsp. baking powder

  • 1 tsp. baking soda

  • ¼ tsp. salt

  • 2 tbsp. chia seeds (or  ground flaxseed)

  • 1 tbsp. pumpkin spice

  • 2 eggs

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

  • ½ cup plain Greek or Skyr yogurt

  • 2 cups shredded zucchini

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional – leave out if using these for school lunches)

Directions:

  1. Shred zucchini (skin on) with a cheese grater. Once shredded place in a cloth and squeeze to remove excess water. Set aside.

  2. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease muffin pan.

  3. In a bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, baking soda and powder, pumpkin spice, chia seeds, and salt.

  4. In a separate bowl mix together eggs, vegetable oil, yogurt, and zucchini. Pour liquid mixture into dry mixture and mix well. Note: the mixture will be a thick batter.

  5. Fold in dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (optional).

  6. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Who else loves pumpkin spice? I am obsessed! What is your favourite way to enjoy it? Let me know. I love hearing from all of you.

Cheers to happy and healthy eating!

Until next time,

Eat Right Feel Right – Angela XO

 

Thanks so much for this awesome recipe Angela!

Andy De Santis RD MPH