Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts if you desire some added texture and flavor.
- 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.
- 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
