I love finding simple ways to add extra nutrition into everyday recipes, and these no added sugar cocoa courgette muffins are a great example of that. They include a mix of ingredients that provide healthy fats (from the oil, flaxseeds and nut butter), alongside fruit and vegetables from the banana and courgette.
The banana adds natural sweetness, while the courgette helps keep the muffins soft and moist, without needing any added sugar. The cocoa gives a gentle chocolate flavour, making these a lovely option for toddlers and a great way to introduce new tastes.
These muffins are easy to make, freezer-friendly and ideal for snacks or lunchboxes. You can keep them plain for younger babies or add extras like raisins or chocolate chips for older children.
Makes 9 muffins or 12 small muffins
Ingredients
- 150g self-raising flour (white, wholemeal or a 50/50 mix)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp almond butter (or another nut/seed butter with no added sugar or salt)
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 medium courgette, finely grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 100-120ml milk of choice (including plant-based options)
- Optional: raisins or chocolate drops (best suited for older children)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) and line a muffin tin with cases.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and ground flaxseeds.
- In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, then stir in the oil, nut butter and milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated courgette, ensuring it is evenly distributed through the mixture.
- If using, stir through raisins or chocolate drops.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cases.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are firm to the touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container for a couple of days or freeze for later.
If you are looking for more toddler-friendly muffin recipes, here are my peanut butter muffins, oatie blueberry muffins and my veggie breakfast muffins.