Zucchini Cupcakes with Greek Yogurt Frosting

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup fat-free milk
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Greek Yogurt Frosting:
  • 6 oz. plain fat-free Greek Yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp light agave nectar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. lemon peel (as garnish)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  

To make the quinoa, rinse 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa in cold water and place in a small saucepan with 2/3 cup water.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to sit for an additional 5 minutes, keeping quinoa covered.  Fluff with a fork and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and baking soda.  Set aside.  In a large bowl using your stand mixer (or hand held), beat together eggs and milk.  Then add in the quinoa, zucchini, applesauce and vanilla and stir until well-mixed.  Add zucchini mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined (careful not to over stir).

In a muffin pan coated with cooking spray, fill each cup about 3/4ths full with batter and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow muffins to cool for about 5 minutes before frosting.

To make the frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, agave nectar and vanilla until smooth.  Spread evenly among muffins and garnish with lemon peel, if desired.  Enjoy!