Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies Recipe
These Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies are a deliciously moist and fudgy treat that cleverly incorporates finely grated zucchini for added nutrition and moisture without compromising on classic brownie flavor. Sweetened with brown sugar and applesauce, and made with oat or all-purpose flour, these brownies offer a healthier twist on a beloved dessert, featuring optional chocolate chips, nuts, and a luscious frosting for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Ingredients:
- 2 cups finely grated zucchini (firmly packed)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup oat flour (can substitute all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup chocolate chips and/or nuts
Optional Frosting (Melt Together):
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- OR Nutella to spread on top
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the brownies won’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely grated zucchini, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well to create a smooth mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to form the brownie batter.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts if desired to add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare Frosting (Optional): While the brownies bake, melt together chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Alternatively, use Nutella as a spread.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before spreading the frosting evenly on top, if using. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Firmly packing the grated zucchini ensures the correct moisture content in the batter.
- Using oat flour makes this recipe gluten-free; all-purpose flour works well too.
- The applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for extra oil.
- Check for doneness at around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Frosting is optional but adds rich flavor and texture to the brownies.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Zucchini brownies, healthy brownies, chocolate zucchini dessert, gluten free brownies, low fat dessert, moist brownies
