Tender Cinnamon Zucchini Muffins with Turbinado Sugar Crust
Spiced bakery-style summer muffins loaded with shredded garden zucchini and crowned with a crunchy sparkling sugar top.
- Bakes in just 25 minutes: Faster than a full loaf of zucchini bread.
- High bakery-style domes created by an initial high-heat blast.
- Kid-friendly way to enjoy seasonal summer produce.
Whenever garden zucchini season hits, these muffins are the first thing we bake. They are portable, freeze like a dream, and satisfy sweet morning cravings with wholesome ingredients.
A quick 5-minute bake at 425°F before reducing heat activates the leavening instantly for impressive, rounded muffin tops.
Tender Cinnamon Zucchini Muffins with Turbinado Sugar Crust
These bakery-style zucchini muffins have high domed tops, a crunchy turbinado sugar crust, and an exceptionally tender, moist crumb spiced with cinnamon and ginger. They are the ultimate grab-and-go summer breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon & 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking powder & 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar & 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated zucchini
- 2 tbsp turbinado coarse sugar for topping
Directions
Prep Oven & Muffin Tin
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix Batter
Whisk flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, melted butter, and sour cream. Stir in grated zucchini, then gently fold in flour mixture until just combined.
Fill and Sugar Tops
Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups, filling almost to the top. Sprinkle turbinado sugar generously over each muffin.
High-Heat Dome Bake
Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) without opening door. Bake 16 to 18 more minutes until golden and springy.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Starting at 425°F forces the muffin tops to dome high before the interior sets.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCommunity Reviews & Ratings
1 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
The crunchy sugar top is fantastic! So soft and flavorful on the inside.