Zucchini and Date Muffins with Cashew Ginger Frosting

There’s nothing better then having freshly baked muffins on a Sunday morning. Sometimes you need a sweet side to those scrambled eggs and that can always be especially difficult for someone who’s eating gluten free. Healthy, nutrient rich muffins are a fantastic breakfast idea for those who don’t make time for it. Even if you aren’t hungry right away, you can throw one in your bag and it’ll be ready when that mid morning hunger comes along.

Not only will get a good balance of whole grains, healthy fats and fiber, but you’ll also get a serving of veggies! Have no fear, the only way you’d know theres zucchini is by those green specks, otherwise you’d have no idea. These muffins are awesome on their own, but have added decadence from this vegan cashew ginger frosting. You can play them off as cupcakes for the little ones. As always this recipe is gluten, dairy and refined sugar free… Have a great weekend!

Muffin Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 zucchini
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (add 3 more tbsp if you like a super moist muffin)
• 3 tbsp date syrup (maple syrup or honey will work too)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 cup gluten free oat flour
• 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 5-6 medjool dates (chopped)
• lemon zest (optional, for serving)

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup cashews (soaked overnight)
• 1 inch piece of ginger (finely grated)
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup (agave or stevia to taste will work too)
• 1 1/2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp alcohol free pure vanilla extract (or vanilla powder will work, or fresh vanilla beans from pod)
• almond milk as needed

Makes 12 muffins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with liners. In a large bowl,mash your banana until no lumps remain. Process or grate your zucchini. Then whisk into your banana mixture. Once well combined add your eggs,coconut oil, date syrup and vanilla.
2. In another medium mixing bowl, sift together remaining ingredients dry ingredients (leave out the dates).
3. Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet until well combined. Fold in your chopped dates.
4. Using two spoons, add batter to muffin liners until 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. While the muffins are baking, you can make your frosting. Add all ingredients up until almond milk into a food processor or high powered blender. Add almond milk until desired consistency is reached. Store in the fridge.
6. Once muffins have cooled, frost using a blunt knife or spatula. Finish with lemon zest! Frosted muffins have to be stored in the fridge.