-
1
For the crumb topping, stir granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt until well combined. Whisk in melted butter. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir in flour just until everything is combined. Spread mixture on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. As the mixture dries, crumble it into coarse crumbs with your fingers. Set topping aside while making the muffin batter.
-
2
Preheat oven to 350u00b0F. Grease and flour 12 jumbo muffin cups. Set the pans aside.
-
3
Shred the zucchini using the large whole side of a box grater. Place the shredded zucchini in a mesh strainer to drain while assembling the other ingredients.
-
4
For the muffin batter, in a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and caramel extract until well blended.
-
5
Gently squeeze excess moisture (if any) out of the shredded zucchini, then stir it into the egg mixture.
-
6
In a medium bowl. whisk flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to the egg/zucchini mixture and stir just until combined.
-
7
Divide half of the muffin batter between the prepared muffin cups. Spoon a generous half of the can of dulce de leche into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for a few seconds just until caramel warms a little-that will thin it slightly and make it easier to drop off a spoon. Give the dulce de leche a stir to make sure it's warmed all the way through.
-
8
Place a generous teaspoonful of the caramel in the center of the batter in each muffin cup. Gently swirl the caramel into the batter. (A metal skewer used for trussing and tying a turkey or chicken to roast works great for this.)
-
9
Top with the remaining muffin batter. Spoon another teaspoonful of dulce de leche on the center of the batter and swirl.
-
10
Sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin. Bake at 350u00b0F for 35-40 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
11
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each muffin and gently remove from the pans to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
12
Crumb topping recipe slightly adapted from Damn Delicious.
