Mini Maple Muffins - the CUTEST way to jump into fall

This is only my second fall season in upstate NY but even I can see that maple and apples are a HUGE thing here. Probably... because instead of being in a big city surrounded by skyscrapers we are in a beautiful countryside. Anyways. If you have the privilege of going to a maple farm - its awesome. You should. And if you can't, you should at least treat yourself to as many maple fall things, as humanly possible. You owe yourself at least that. I am just looking out for you. And if I am not being too forward you should starting with this super easy 20-22 minute recipe that so easily fits into your hand, your mouth,and your heart. They are so little and cute (and ahem healthy - but no one would ever guess that this is a zucchini carrot recipe). 

Shhh... These are fun MAPLE treats 😉

Recipe adapted from: Graceful Little Honey Bee 

Short Ingredient List: 

1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose

1 cup all purpose flour

1 & 1/2 cup of finely shredded zucchini

1/4 cup finely shredded carrot

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 small container plain greek yogurt

1/2 tsp salt

1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla 

1/2 cup of sugar (for a sweet muffin - for not so sweet use slightly less) 

1 egg

2 Tbs good quality maple syrup

optional: turbinado sugar to top 

Easy directions for an Easy fall 

Spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

Use a paper towel and wipe the extra spray off and/or run your finger around each hole in the muffin tin to make sure its evenly coated - this extra step will just make sure its easy. 

Mix everything together in a large bowl. Starting with the egg and sugar to make sure the egg is beaten. 

Scoop the batter into the prepped mini muffin pan. If you don't have one, they are everywhere you can buy baking dishes. They will up your breakfast game plan especially if you have kids, for these are so much better sized for little fingers. (ahem or putting into hands as kids run out of the door for the school bus - don't you love fall) 

The batter should give you 20 - 24 yummy fall treats filling the wells 3/4th full. 

Top with turbinado sugar if you are using.... mini mms or mini chocolate chips would also taste good. You are getting your kids to eat 2 veggies here why not splurge a little. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let it sit in the tins for 5 minutes. Then move them to a cooling rack! I like to cover them with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to absorb extra moisture.  

See. Easy to make. Easy to eat. Enjoy!