Description
Deliciously fudgy and secretly healthy zucchini brownies made with whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and a hint of cocoa. These moist, low-sugar treats are perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup finely shredded zucchini (moisture lightly squeezed out)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
Optional
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend, then fold in the shredded zucchini ensuring an even mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir this into the wet mixture until well incorporated.
- Incorporate Flour and Chocolate Chips: Gradually add the whole wheat flour to the bowl, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing. Fold in the dark chocolate chips if using, for extra richness.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan completely before slicing into 9 squares. This ensures they set well and hold their fudgy texture.
Notes
- The brownies turn out extra moist and fudgy, so avoid overbaking to maintain texture.
- For added crunch and flavor, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Store brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
