Zucchini brownies are the best of all worlds: moist, fluffy, rich chocolatey flavor, with a perfectly chocolate frosting.
This treat uses zucchini which keeps the brownies moist and makes you feel not so bad when you go for seconds.. and thirds…
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The Yummiest Brownies
I have never been a huge zucchini lover in savory dishes. But once zucchini baked goods were introduced to me, I was hooked! This zucchini brownie recipe is a game changer, and they will turn even the most skeptical into a zucchini lover… In fact I loved them so much when I built my garden I included zucchini so I could make these with my own zucchini!
- Zucchini makes the brownies so moist and light.
- This dessert comes together in less than 15 minutes!
- The zucchini makes these feel like a guilt-less dessert.
- These are perfect to make-ahead and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
How to Pick the Perfect Zucchini
Any zucchini will work in this recipe.
When choosing a zucchini pick one that is firm (softness can indicate the fruit is going bad). If picking from the garden, generally you want one that is 8″ long.
Very large zucchinis are typically not as good for cooking as the larger they get, the more watery and flavorless they get. But in this case they are good for baking as you are looking for the moisture from the zucchini. If it’s a very large zucchini you may want to cut it in half and scoop out some of the seeds.
Ingredients
These brownies come together with basic pantry ingredients plus a zucchini.
- all-purpose flour
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- baking soda
- salt
- white sugar
- vegetable oil
- vanilla extract
- zucchini – this is the magic ingredient in these brownies. It makes the brownies light but so moist. You do not need to peel the zucchini for this recipe, and do not drain it after you grate it. You can use either the fine or coarse side of the box grater. The fine side will allow the zucchini to mix in more without being noticed, but I do not think its necessary and the coarse side is quicker!
Quick and Easy Frosting Ingredients
This is a fool proof frosting that will evenly cover the brownies and make every bite the best bite of brownies you’ve ever had.
- milk
- sugar
- butter
- chocolate chips – use any chocolate chip here. Milk chocolate will be a little sweeter, semi-sweet will balance out the sugar for a less sweet frosting.
You will also need a box grater to grate the zucchini, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and a 9×13 baking pan. For the frosting it comes together quickly in a small saucepan.
How to Make Zucchini Brownies
This is a quick recipe that will be perfect to serve at your next potluck or BBQ that will be sure to be a hit.
- Mix together oil, sugar, egg and vanilla. Combine remaining dry ingredients
- Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture and stir. Add zucchini.
- Bake brownies
- Top with frosting!
Tips for the Perfect Brownies
If you have a large zucchini, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds.
The batter will seem dry until you add the zucchini. The zucchini will moisten the brownies enough!
Cut the brownies with a plastic knife, this is a magic trick to cut them smoothly!
Other Delicious Desserts
Mini Key Lime Pie Tarts – only 3 ingredients!
Banana Breakfast Cookies – another healthy baking option
3 Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet – a refreshing summer treat
Easy Apple Crisp – the best way to use up those apples
Zucchini Brownies
Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- saucepan
- mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups grated zucchini undrained about one large
Quick and Easy Frosting
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup butter
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a 9×13 pan.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine sugar, oil, and vanilla.
- Add the sugar mixture to the flour mixture and stir well. Gently stir in the zucchini and spread the mixture into your prepared pan.
- Bake 25-30 minutes.
Quick and Easy Frosting
- While cake is cooling, combine milk, butter, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, boil vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips. Immediately pour over brownies. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
- If zucchini is very large, cut in half and scoop out seeds.
- Nutritional value does not include frosting.
Nutrition
Adapted from: Spend with Pennies
