Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These secretly healthy zucchini brownies are a delicious way to enjoy a classic treat with a nutritious twist. Moist and fudgy, they incorporate grated zucchini for added moisture and subtle veggie goodness without compromising on chocolatey flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely grated zucchini (firmly packed)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup flour (oat flour or all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips and/or nuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the grated zucchini, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and/or nuts if using.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool before frosting if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Try using all-purpose flour if oat flour is unavailable; both work well.
• Add 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Frost with a simple melt of 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup butterscotch chips, and 1/2 cup peanut butter, or spread on some Nutella for a rich finish.
• Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent soggy brownies.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave if desired, but frosting is best added fresh after warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the zucchini with another vegetable?

Zucchini works best due to its mild flavor and moisture content, but grated carrots can be a good alternative though it may change the texture slightly.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

If you use oat flour certified gluten-free or another gluten-free flour blend, these brownies can be made gluten-free. Otherwise, using regular all-purpose flour will contain gluten.

Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 52 reviews

These Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the wholesome goodness of zucchini and applesauce. Sweetened with brown sugar and naturally moist, they offer a nutritious twist on a classic dessert, perfect for those looking to enjoy a treat without the guilt.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings (about 9x13 inch pan) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely grated zucchini (firmly packed)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup oat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chocolate chips and/or nuts

Optional Frosting (Melt Together):

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• Or spread on Nutella instead

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely grated zucchini, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
5. Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts if you desire some added texture and flavor.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Frost: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. For optional frosting, melt together chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter, or spread Nutella on top as a delicious alternative. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies and serve.

Notes

• Firmly packing the zucchini ensures the proper moisture balance in the brownies.
• Using oat flour makes the recipe gluten-free friendly; all-purpose flour works fine if gluten is not a concern.
• For a nut-free version, omit nuts and adjust the frosting accordingly.
• Check the brownies towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking and dryness.
• Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting layer.
• Brown sugar adds a slight caramel flavor that complements the cocoa and zucchini.

Keywords: zucchini brownies, healthy brownies, gluten free dessert, chocolate zucchini dessert, low fat brownies, healthy chocolate dessert