Jacy why make this recipe
These brownies hide zucchini so they feel a little healthier. They still taste rich and chocolatey. You get extra veggies, less fat if you use applesauce, and a treat that kids and adults both like.
introduction
This recipe makes a pan of moist, fudgy brownies with shredded zucchini mixed in. The brownies use applesauce and zucchini to lower fat but keep good texture. If you like simple brownie ideas, try this along with some easy 3-ingredient brownies for quick baking options.
how to make Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies
Preheat the oven and get your pan ready. Mix the wet items, then add dry items and stir. Fold in chips or nuts if you want. Bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. For more easy dessert ideas without long prep, check the collection of healthy no-prep recipes.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups finely grated zucchini (I firmly packed it in)
- 1 cup brown sugar (What? They’re still brownies after all.)
- 1 1/3 cup applesauce (I used unsweetened)
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2/3 cup flour (I used Oat Flour but all-purpose flour would be fine)
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips and/or nuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- OR spread on some Nutella
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Mix together the zucchini, sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir together the remaining ingredients and add to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and/or nuts if using.
- Bake for about 55 minutes.
- Frost with the frosting if desired.
how to serve Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies
Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Top with a little extra chocolate, a drizzle of peanut butter, or spread Nutella on each piece. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them extra nice.
how to store Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies
Cool fully before storing. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can freeze individual squares in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
tips to make Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini if it seems very wet to avoid soggy brownies.
- Use applesauce to cut fat but keep texture.
- Check for doneness near 50 minutes; ovens vary. A few moist crumbs on a toothpick are fine.
- Swap oat flour for all-purpose if you prefer regular flour.
- Use a mix of chips (chocolate, butterscotch) or nuts for more texture.
variation (if any)
- Make them nut-free by skipping nuts and using only chips.
- Use peanut butter swirls instead of chips. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on batter and swirl with a knife.
- Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for deeper chocolate flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate and applesauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen zucchini?
A: Thaw and drain frozen zucchini well, then squeeze out extra water before adding.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix to make them gluten-free.
Q: Do these brownies taste like vegetables?
A: No. The zucchini blends in and keeps the brownies moist. The chocolate flavor is still strong.
Q: Can I cut the recipe in half?
A: Yes. Use an 8×8 pan and reduce bake time. Start checking at 35–40 minutes.
Q: Can I add frosting?
A: Yes. A simple chocolate frosting or cream cheese frosting works well.
Conclusion
For another version with a vegan, super fudgy take, see the recipe at a vegan healthy zucchini brownies recipe. If you want a gluten-free take with a similar idea, check this gluten-free zucchini brownies recipe.
Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- Mix together the zucchini, sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir together the remaining ingredients and add to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and/or nuts if using.
- Bake for about 55 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Frost with frosting if desired.
