Zucchini Brownies

Zucchini Brownies

You won’t believe how delicious and rich these Zucchini Brownies are! I remember the first time I decided to bake them for a family gathering. It was a hot summer day, and I had an abundance of fresh zucchini from my garden. I thought to myself, why not use some of that to make a sweet treat? The idea of sneaking in a vegetable into dessert thrilled me. As I combined the ingredients, the aroma of chocolate filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait for them to come out of the oven. Everyone loved them, and I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
150 kcal
Protein:
2 g
Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
Fat:
7 g
Tools Used:
Grater, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Frying Pan, Oven

The Best Thing About This Zucchini Brownies

Healthy Indulgence

One of the reasons I adore these Zucchini Brownies is their health-friendly twist. Incorporating zucchini adds moisture and nutrients, making these brownies not only decadent but also a bit healthier than traditional recipes. It’s a great way to indulge your sweet tooth while feeling good about the ingredients.

Simple Ingredients

This recipe features simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. From flour to cocoa powder, it’s straightforward and accessible. You won’t need to make a special trip to the store, and I love that!

Perfectly Moist

Thanks to the zucchini, the brownies turn out perfectly moist and fudgy. You can enjoy that rich chocolate flavor without the guilt of overly dry or crumbly brownies. Each bite is wonderfully soft, making them a delightful treat.

Kid-Approved

If you have kids, these brownies are an excellent way to get them to eat their vegetables without them even knowing it! Trust me, they’ll be too busy enjoying the chocolatey goodness to realize they’re munching on a veggie.

Endless Customization

Another reason I love this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily add in nuts, swap in different types of chocolate, or change up the sweeteners. It’s a flexible base recipe that allows your creativity to shine!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving something sweet, these Zucchini Brownies fit the bill perfectly. They’re great as an afternoon pick-me-up or served as a dessert after a family dinner.

Zucchini Brownies Ingredients

Zucchini Brownies

The ingredients for these Zucchini Brownies are simple yet effective. Each component plays a vital role in developing the rich flavor and decadent texture. The star of the show, of course, is the zucchini, which keeps the brownies moist and adds a hint of nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed: A great binding agent that also adds some healthy fats.
  • 5 tablespoons water: Used to hydrate the flaxseed, creating a flax egg that helps bind the brownies.
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base for our brownies, giving them structure and body.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the mix, balancing the rich chocolate flavor.
  • ⅔ cup cocoa powder: This is what makes the brownies chocolatey and delicious.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly, creating a light texture.
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • ½ cup melted coconut oil: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer, rounding out the chocolate taste.
  • 2 cups grated zucchini: The secret ingredient that keeps these brownies moist and adds fiber.
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips: For those melty chocolate bursts in every bite.
  • Flaky sea salt: Optional, but it elevates the chocolate flavor when sprinkled on top.

Zucchini Brownies Instructions

Zucchini Brownies

Making these Zucchini Brownies is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps to create a delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family.

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, making it easier to remove the brownies later.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the ground flaxseed and water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This mixture will thicken and act as a binding agent.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. This will be your dry mixture.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and the thickened flaxseed mixture. Stir until well combined.
  5. Add the grated zucchini to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
  6. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The batter may appear thick and dry at first, but don’t worry!
  7. Let the batter rest for 1 minute, then give it another stir. As the zucchini releases moisture, the batter will come together more smoothly.
  8. Fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips and some flaky sea salt on top.
  10. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the brownies are set in the center. Insert a toothpick, and if it comes out clean, they’re done!
  11. Allow the brownies to cool for at least an hour before slicing. This waiting time is crucial for achieving those clean edges!

Things Worth Knowing

  • Zucchini Preparation: Be sure to wash and grate the zucchini without draining or squeezing it, as the moisture is essential for the brownies.
  • Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Serving Temperature: These brownies are delightful served warm with a scoop of ice cream, or at room temperature as a snack.
  • Texture Check: The brownies should be set on the edges but slightly soft in the center for that perfect fudgy texture.

Making Adjustments

Zucchini Brownies

There are plenty of adjustments you can make to this Zucchini Brownies recipe to suit your taste. Here’s a collection of ideas to get you started:

  • Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: You can freeze these brownies! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
  • Pairing: Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
  • Variations: Consider adding chopped nuts for a bit of crunch or using different types of chocolate chips, like milk chocolate or white chocolate.
  • Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet brownie, feel free to reduce the sugar by a third without affecting the texture significantly.

How to Enjoy Zucchini Brownies

When it comes to enjoying these Zucchini Brownies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas:

  • Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a piece of brownie with your afternoon coffee or tea; it’s the perfect pick-me-up.
  • Picnic Dessert: These brownies are an excellent addition to any picnic or outdoor gathering. Just cut them into squares, and they’re ready to go!
  • Family Dinners: Serve them as a dessert after a hearty family meal. They’re sure to impress your guests and family alike.
  • Seasonal Events: Ideal for summer barbecues or any social occasion, these brownies can be enjoyed year-round.
  • With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
  • Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

FAQ

Absolutely! If you have frozen zucchini, just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using it in the recipe. This way, you’ll still get the moisture and texture you need for your Zucchini Brownies. Just be cautious to reduce any excess water that may affect the batter consistency. It’s a great way to make use of leftover zucchini from last season!

The best way to check if your Zucchini Brownies are done is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are ready to take out of the oven. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter on it, they will need a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking!

This Zucchini Brownies recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe. They should turn out just as delicious!

Yes, you can make these Zucchini Brownies vegan by substituting the ground flaxseed and water mixture for a commercial egg replacer, or simply use an additional flaxseed mixture. Additionally, ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan treat without sacrificing taste!

Conclusion

These Zucchini Brownies have an incredible way of combining health with indulgence. Their moist texture and rich chocolate flavor will have your taste buds dancing with joy! So why not bake a batch today? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly they disappear, and you can feel confident serving them to family and friends. Try them out, and you may just find your new favorite dessert!

Zucchini Brownies

Zucchini Brownies

The ultimate indulgence, these Zucchini Brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with the goodness of fresh zucchini. Moist, fudgy, and oh-so-satisfying, they are perfect for any occasion. Bake a batch tonight and enjoy a delightful treat that’s secretly good for you!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Frying Pan
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons Ground Flaxseed
  • 5 tablespoons Water
  • cups All-Purpose Flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • cup Cocoa Powder sifted
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ½ cup Melted Coconut Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 cups Grated Zucchini don’t drain or squeeze
  • ½ cup Dark Chocolate Chips plus more for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the flaxseed and water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, vanilla, and flaxseed mixture. Stir in the zucchini.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture and stir to combine as best you can. Let rest for 1 minute and stir again.
  • The mixture will be thick and dry at first, but it will become smoother and wetter as the zucchini releases moisture into the batter. Stir until there are no dry areas remaining, then fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Sprinkle with more chocolate chips and flaky sea salt, if using.
  • Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the brownies are set in the middle and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool for at least an hour before slicing.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze these brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Tip 3: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Tip 4: Add chopped nuts for extra texture.
  • Tip 5: Reduce sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
Keyword chocolate dessert, healthy brownies, Vegetable Baking, Zucchini Brownies

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