Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously fudgy treat that’s secretly healthy? I’m so excited to share my recipe for Fudgy Zucchini Chocolate Brownies with you! These brownies are not only rich and moist, but they also incorporate shredded zucchini, making them a sneaky way to add some veggies to your dessert. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a sweet treat after a busy day, these brownies can be whipped up in just 30 minutes! And if you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes or quick weeknight dinner ideas, I’ve got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes!
- Rich, fudgy texture that satisfies your chocolate cravings.
- Secretly healthy with the addition of zucchini.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- Great for meal prep or as a sweet treat for the week!
Ingredients
To make these delightful brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (plus extra for topping)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get started on these delicious brownies! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This will help the brownies come out easily after baking.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini finely using a grater. Then, place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is important to prevent the brownies from becoming too watery.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to mix them well so that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a fudgy texture!
- Fold in the Zucchini and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips into the batter. This adds moisture, flavor, and that yummy chocolatey goodness to every bite!
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top to ensure even baking.
- Add Toppings: If you’d like, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top along with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a nice finishing touch.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs sticking to it.
- Cool Down: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This might be the hardest part—waiting for them to cool!
- Serve and Enjoy: After cooling, cut the brownies into squares and serve them up! You’ll love the rich, fudgy texture paired with the delightful surprise of zucchini hidden within.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible to avoid soggy brownies.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay!
- For an extra indulgent treat, try adding nuts or swapping in dark chocolate chips.
How to Serve
These brownies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them even further! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these brownies ahead of time, they store beautifully! Here are some tips:
- Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To freeze, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy these fudgy zucchini chocolate brownies any time you crave something sweet! And if you’re looking for more delicious meal ideas, don’t forget to check out my Beef Cheesy Rollups, Mongolian Beef, and Beef Stir Fry recipes for quick family dinners that everyone will love!
Fudgy Zucchini Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment or grease it.
- Grate zucchini, squeeze out excess moisture, then set aside.
- Mix sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Sift dry ingredients and combine with wet mixture.
- Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips. Pour batter into pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and sea salt if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, cool, then cut into squares.