Description
Delight in these Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies that blend rich cocoa flavor with the hidden goodness of zucchini. Moist, fudgy, and naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, these brownies are a nutritious twist on a classic dessert, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated zucchini, excess moisture lightly pressed out
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, plus more for topping if desired
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated zucchini, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter, reserving some for topping if desired.
- Transfer and Top: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Bake: Bake the brownies for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, ensuring a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares to maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the brownies stay fudgier when slightly underdone.
- Substitute olive oil or melted butter for the coconut oil if preferred.
- For sweeter brownies, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar to the batter.
- Press out excess moisture from the zucchini to avoid soggy brownies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
