Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies
These Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies are the perfect guilt-free treat, packed with hidden zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients. Rich, fudgy, and chocolatey, these brownies offer a healthier twist on the classic dessert without compromising on taste. A great way to sneak in some extra veggies, these brownies are a delicious, nutritious option for anyone with a sweet tooth!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Brownies:
- 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- ½ cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
- ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (or your preferred sweetener)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted, or use butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, but recommended for extra richness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to prevent the brownies from becoming too wet.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour (or whole wheat flour), cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
- Add the zucchini and chocolate chips: Fold the shredded zucchini into the batter, then stir in the dark chocolate chips (if using). The batter will be thick.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your healthy, fudgy brownies!
Notes
- You can use whole wheat flour in place of almond flour for a different texture.
- For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based sweetener.
- These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months—wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey used.
Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/secretly-healthy-zucchini-brownies/
