Decadent and Moist Brownies with Zucchini

These Chocolatey Zucchini Brownies are incredibly moist with a deep chocolate flavor packed with shredded zucchini and made lighter with no butter or refined sugar! A beloved summer dessert for our family!

Baking with zucchini is one of my favorite culinary activities ever. Not only does it keep baked goods EXTREMELY moist, but zucchini also offers a nutritional boost! We harvest so much zucchini this season that I’ve gone on a baking spree, whipping up chocolate chip zucchini muffins and zucchini bread, but these brownies could be my new top pick. I iteratively perfected this recipe over 6 trials before getting the ideal fudgy zucchini brownie recipe, and trust me, they are absolutely DELICIOUS. These fudgy brownies are made healthier with whole wheat flour, hidden vegetables, and naturally sweetened with honey. They truly taste like chocolate cake!

Reasons You’ll Adore This

• Decadent, moist, and utterly delightful!
• A fantastic way to sneak vegetables into your favorite treat.
• Healthier with basic ingredients like whole wheat flour, grated zucchini, and absolutely no butter or refined sugar.
• Customizable with exciting mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a swirl of creamy peanut butter!
• These zucchini brownies are also friendly to the freezer.

Essential Ingredients

• zucchini – it’s peak zucchini season, making it the star of this treat! You’ll need one medium zucchini (approximately 1 1/2 cups), which provides nutritional value while ensuring these wholesome brownies stay moist, with no need to squeeze out water.
• whole wheat pastry flour – I enjoy baking with whole wheat pastry flour as it retains all the nutritional advantages of whole grain flour while giving these brownies a light, airy texture. I highly suggest using this, but if unavailable, white whole wheat flour, standard all-purpose flour, or even gluten-free flour can be alternatives.
• cocoa powder – gives these brownies their rich chocolate flavor! Make sure to utilize unsweetened natural cocoa powder or cacao powder. A dash of espresso powder would also enhance the flavor!
• baking powder – serves as a leavening agent, helping the brownies rise; baking soda can also be used.
• eggs – provide protein and contribute to the structure and height of these brownies.
• coconut oil – adds extra moisture and richness; ensure you measure it solid before melting. Feel free to substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or butter if you prefer.
• honey – naturally sweetens these brownies, avoiding any refined sugar. Pure maple syrup or agave can also be used. Granulated sugar is not recommended in this recipe as it may dry out the brownies.
• vanilla extract + salt – provides a flavor boost!
• chocolate chips – I used Lily’s semi-sweet chocolate chips to enhance the fudginess of these brownies! They are gluten-free, vegan, and sweetened with stevia which keeps the sugar content low while maintaining delicious chocolate flavor.

Steps to Make Fudgy Zucchini Brownies

1. Prepare the zucchini. Using a box grater, shred one medium zucchini (you’ll require about 1 1/2 cups of shreds). Avoid squeezing the moisture out with a paper towel as we need all that liquid for our brownies!
2. Combine ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and honey together vigorously for about a minute (this prevents flat brownies). Next, mix in the coconut oil and vanilla extract.
3. Create the batter. Pour the dry mix into the wet mix and combine with a rubber spatula until just blended, being cautious not to over-mix, then fold in the shredded zucchini. The brownie batter will seem thick initially but will achieve the right consistency after incorporating the zucchini! Stir in the chocolate chips and pour the mixture into a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper or generously sprayed with nonstick spray.
4. BAKE! Bake the brownies in the oven at 350 degrees F for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack, then slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips, Techniques, and Substitutions

• Do not squeeze the water from the zucchini! We require that moisture for optimal results.
• The batter will initially be thick. That’s perfectly fine! Adding the grated zucchini ensures the brownies achieve the needed moisture, and you’ll find the batter comes together well after that.
• Mix the eggs and honey thoroughly. This process, which I tested, works exceedingly well! Whisking the eggs and honey together before introducing the other components aids in creating a softer texture and added height in the brownies. This step isn’t obligatory but is worth the effort.
• Avoid using granulated sugars. I opted for honey as a natural sweetener (or maple syrup), but granulated sugars may result in dry brownies. I haven’t tested it, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely. I understand waiting is tough, but these brownies need time to set once removed from the oven. Cutting into them while hot could lead to them crumbling; we desire that moisture to solidify for a gooey, delectable treat!
• Additional mix-ins. Feel free to incorporate some chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even swirl in peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or cream cheese!
• Optional toppings. I enjoy sprinkling flaky sea salt on top, but you might also choose to drizzle creamy peanut butter, melted chocolate, or spread chocolate frosting or even cream cheese.

Preparation and Storage

To Store: Keep these brownies in a sealed, airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, but refrigerate afterward for longer storage. These brownies can last up to a week in the fridge when kept in a sealed container.

To Freeze: These zucchini brownies freeze incredibly well too! Ensure you let them cool entirely, then store the cooled brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

More Zucchini Recipes You Will Adore

I hope you relish these Chocolatey Zucchini Brownies! If you enjoy them as much as we do, kindly leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love witnessing all your delicious recreations!

**Title: Luxurious Indulgences: Lush and Moist Brownies with Zucchini**

Brownies frequently rank as a top choice for indulgent desserts, lauded for their opulent, chocolatey richness. However, for those wanting to introduce a nutritious spin to this timeless treat, zucchini brownies provide an unexpected delight. The addition of zucchini ensures these brownies remain moist while offering nutritional enhancement, making them ideal for both the health-conscious and dessert enthusiasts.

**The Hidden Gem: Zucchini**

Zucchini may appear to be a strange ingredient in a dessert, yet it is instrumental in crafting the perfect brownie. Renowned for its high moisture content, zucchini enriches the batter, yielding a fudgy texture without necessitating a surplus of butter or oil. Moreover, zucchini is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, rendering it an exceptional selection for those in search of a more wholesome dessert.

**The Ideal Ingredients Ratio**

Crafting the quintessential zucchini brownie necessitates a careful balance of ingredients to achieve that signature rich and moist texture. Here’s a straightforward guide to creating these delightful treats:

1. **Select Quality Chocolate**: The cornerstone of any excellent brownie is high-quality chocolate. Choose dark chocolate or cocoa powder with a high cocoa percentage for an intense, rich flavor.

2. **Grate the Zucchini**: Finely shred the zucchini to ensure it seamlessly combines with the batter. Peeling isn’t necessary as the skin offers added nutrients and fiber.

3. **Sweeten Naturally**: Consider using natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup to accompany the richness of the chocolate while maintaining a healthier profile for the brownies.

4. **Add a Pinch of Spice**: Enrich the flavor with a hint of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract. These spices can amplify the chocolate essence and impart warmth to the brownies.

5. **Incorporate Nuts or Chips**: For added texture and taste, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle in some chocolate chips.

**Baking Success Strategies**

– **Avoid Overmixing**: Combine the batter just until the ingredients are mixed. Overmixing could lead to dense brownies.
– **Watch the Baking Time**: Keep an eye on the brownies while they bake. Overbaking can dehydrate them, so strive for a slightly soft center for the ultimate fudgy consistency.
– **Allow to Cool**: Give the brownies time to cool in the pan before slicing. This aids in setting them and makes cutting easier.

**Serving Recommendations**

Zucchini brownies are versatile and can be savored in numerous ways. Serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or enjoy them solo as a mid-day treat. For an additional touch of elegance, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple chocolate glaze.

**Final Thoughts**

Lush and moist brownies featuring zucchini demonstrate how a humble vegetable can elevate a cherished dessert into a healthier, yet still indulgent, experience. By adding zucchini, you can relish the dual benefit: a nutritious approach to a classic favorite without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re an accomplished baker or a beginner in the kitchen, zucchini brownies are bound to impress and satiate any chocolate desire.