So what exactly is the difference between a muffin and a cupcake? Unfrosted, I would call these zucchini muffins, but add the cream cheese frosting and they are definitely cupcakes. Some suggest the difference between the two is the size, sweetness, frosted or unfrosted, or if they are made with butter or oil. Hmmm… Maybe these are muffcakes?
Whatever you want to call them, you’ll be glad you made these! I think they might be better than the fancy schmancy cupcakes I buy at that high-end bakery. The cool thing about these is that both the frosting and the cupcake batter are made with Greek yogurt. This means more protein, less fat, and a nice tang. But even with the vegetables and Greek yogurt in them, they are too delicious to put in the health food category… but go ahead and have one for breakfast!
Found this new product at my little Walmart. It was perfect for my cream cheese frosting.
I filled them about 3/4 of the way full. I also used parchment paper baking cups for the first time. No sticking at all!
Bake them until they are golden brown, and test them with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Let them cool before frosting.
I used a Ziploc bag with the corner cut out and my coupler attached, but no tip. Start in the center and spiral around toward the edges.
I added some candy pearls and sliced almonds in a flower pattern on some of the cupcakes. If you want to keep it simple, spread the frosting all the way to the edge and dip the cupcake in crushed, sliced almonds.
Zucchini Almond Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
My zucchini almond cupcakes are made with Greek yogurt in the batter and frosting. Quite possibly my all-time favorite cupcake. And cute too!
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tsp. allspice
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
Frosting
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese with Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Decorations
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- White candy pearls
Instructions
Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cream together sugar and oil. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla, yogurt, and zucchini.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients with mixer on low speed.
- With an ice cream scoop, fill each baking cup 3/4 full.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25-27 minutes. Test for doneness by poking a toothpick into the center of the cupcake to see if it comes out clean.
Frosting
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar until smooth on low speed. Add vanilla and heavy cream, and beat until fluffy.
Kristen Self says
These were AMAZING when I had them at my meeting last week!!! Planning on making them this weekend!!
Julie says
Thanks Kristen! So glad you liked them.
Jamie@Milk N Cookies says
Hi Julie! I’m a new reader and I’ve loved looking around your blog. These cupcakes look fantastic. This recipe seems like the perfect example of a recipe that is flavorful, but also nutritious. Yum!
Julie says
Welcome Jamie! So glad you found me, and I hope you get a chance to try these cupcakes. Thanks for your comment!
nayyab says
Hello ma’am,
Can i substitue greek yoghurt with plain yoghurt for this recipe, same amount?
Second, can i use 1 cup melted butter in place of oil or would that be bad? How much butter should i use if i dont wanna use oil?
And last, what is allspice? Can i substitue it with anything?
Also, should i just grate fresh zuchini?
I know its tedious but please answer all questions….thank you.
Julie says
Plain yogurt and melted butter are fine. Not sure of a sub for allspice. Yes you grate the fresh zucchini. Hope you enjoy!
tina says
Does it work ok to freeze theses or does it ruin the frosting?
Julie says
I haven’t tried freezing these, but you could just make the cupcake part ahead of time to freeze and then frost right before serving so you know it will be okay. Hope you enjoy!
MAry says
can you substitute almond flour for regular flour ?