Gluten-Free Paleo Zucchini Muffins with Almond Flour

Erin’s Recipe Rundown

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Texture/Taste: Light, moist, and gently sweet with warm cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg.

Ease: Very easy — an excellent beginner-friendly paleo recipe.

Top Tip: After adding the coconut flour, let the batter rest for 3–5 minutes so the coconut flour can hydrate and the texture sets up properly.

Recommended GF Flour: This grain-free recipe uses coconut flour and a bit of almond flour for texture. It’s naturally gluten-free and grain-free.

Would I make these again? Absolutely. These muffins work well for breakfast, a kid-friendly snack, or a healthy treat any time of day.

xoxo erin

a paleo zucchini muffin with one bite missing and more muffins in background

If you want a simple grain-free zucchini muffin, this recipe delivers. Shredded zucchini adds moisture and a serving of vegetables, while banana, honey, and cinnamon provide natural sweetness and comforting flavor.

These muffins are a great introductory recipe if you’re new to gluten-free, grain-free baking.

Featured Comment

From Laura: “I LOVE these muffins! I’ve been making them for months. They’re a healthy muffin I feel great about feeding my kids. I freeze batches and reheat for a minute in the microwave at breakfast — so convenient!”

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Table of Contents

  • Erin’s Recipe Rundown
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to Make Paleo Zucchini Muffins
  • Make-Ahead / Storage / Freezing
  • Dairy-Free?
  • Do I need to dry the zucchini?
  • Honey substitutions
  • Banana substitutions
  • More Recipes To Try
  • Paleo Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on key ingredients below. Jump to the recipe section for exact measurements.

ingredients pre-measured in bowls
  • Zucchini: About two small zucchinis yield roughly 1 cup shredded. It adds nutrients and keeps muffins tender.
  • Banana: One mashed banana supplies moisture and gentle sweetness without overpowering banana flavor.
  • Coconut flour: Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than other flours. Don’t swap it for more almond flour; the recipe requires extra eggs and resting time so the coconut flour hydrates.
  • Almond flour: Adds structure and improves texture when combined with coconut flour.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener used here to keep the recipe paleo-friendly. Maple syrup can be substituted.

How to Make Paleo Zucchini Muffins

Overview of the process—see the recipe below for exact steps and measurements.

mixing steps for muffins
  • Combine dry ingredients: Stir together coconut flour, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
  • Blend wet ingredients: Pulse eggs, honey, vanilla, and melted coconut oil in a food processor until combined.
  • Mix: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and pulse until incorporated. Let the batter rest 3–5 minutes so it firms up.
  • Finish: Fold or pulse in apple cider vinegar, mashed banana, and shredded zucchini.
  • Scoop and bake: Fill lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before enjoying.
scooping batter into muffin tin and baked muffins

Make-Ahead / Storage / Freezing

To make ahead: Prepare the batter a day in advance and bake the next morning.

To store: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap or parchment and place in a resealable bag. Freeze up to 3 months.

To reheat: Thaw in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Can these zucchini muffins be made dairy-free?

Yes — they are naturally dairy-free. No ingredient changes are needed.

Do I need to dry the zucchini?

Gently squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini so the muffins don’t become soggy. It doesn’t need to be bone-dry.

Can I replace the honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup is a good one-to-one substitute for honey and keeps the recipe naturally sweetened.

What can I use in place of the banana?

Substitute 1/2 cup applesauce or canned pumpkin for the mashed banana for similar moisture and texture.

aerial view of paleo zucchini muffins with one muffin missing a bite

More Recipes To Try

  • Paleo Banana Bread
  • Paleo Pumpkin Cookies
  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins
  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread
  • Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
  • Toddler Muffins (Carrot Zucchini!)
paleo zucchini muffins
4.95 from 35 votes

Paleo Zucchini Muffins

Author Erin Collins
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 10 muffins
Delicious and nutritious — these paleo zucchini muffins are moist, flavorful, and full of hidden healthy ingredients that picky eaters often enjoy.

Great for anyone new to gluten-free, grain-free baking.

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (56g) coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup (25g) almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Other Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup (79 ml) honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 banana, mashed
  • 1 cup finely shredded unpeeled zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a standard muffin pan with liners.
  2. Whisk together coconut flour, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the eggs, honey, vanilla, and melted coconut oil until well blended.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and pulse or stir to combine.
  5. Let the batter rest 3–5 minutes so the coconut flour absorbs the liquid and thickens.
  6. Fold in the apple cider vinegar, mashed banana, and shredded zucchini until evenly distributed.
  7. Scoop batter into the lined muffin cups and bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow muffins to cool before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

Dairy-free: These muffins are naturally dairy-free.

To make ahead: Prepare the batter a day ahead and bake the next morning.

To store: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

To freeze: Wrap individually and store in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Microwave 20–30 seconds from frozen or warm in a low oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 139 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16 g |
Protein: 3 g |
Fat: 6 g |
Saturated Fat: 3 g |
Cholesterol: 65 mg |
Sodium: 265 mg |
Potassium: 104 mg |
Fiber: 3 g |
Sugar: 11 g