Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These secretly healthy zucchini brownies are a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat with a nutritious twist. Packed with grated zucchini and applesauce, they remain moist and rich without the usual guilt. Perfect for a snack or dessert that sneaks in some veggies!

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 flour (oat flour or all-purpose)
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips and/or nuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the grated zucchini, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and/or nuts if you are using them.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool before adding optional frosting or cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer taste, try using all-purpose flour instead of oat flour.
• Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Try frosting with a mix of melted chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter, or simply spread Nutella on top.
• Make sure to squeeze excess water from zucchini to avoid sogginess.

Storage

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Rewarm refrigerated brownies briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh zucchini without peeling?

Yes, the skin of zucchini is tender and nutritious, so there’s no need to peel it before grating.

Will these brownies taste like vegetables?

No, the cocoa and chocolate chips mask the zucchini flavor, so the brownies taste rich and chocolaty with just a hint of moisture from the veggies.

Secretly Healthy Zucchini Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

Deliciously moist and secretly healthy zucchini brownies that combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the nutritional benefits of zucchini and applesauce. These brownies use natural sweeteners and are perfect for a guilt-free treat or dessert, offering a delightful balance of taste and nutrition.

• Author: Emma
• 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: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (or 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 for spreading

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely grated zucchini, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until they are well blended to create a moist, flavorful base for the brownies.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture adds structure and flavor and helps the brownies rise properly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender and moist.
5. Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts to add extra texture and flavor to the brownies.
6. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
7. Prepare Optional Frosting: To make a rich frosting, melt together 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup butterscotch chips, and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Stir until smooth and spread over the cooled brownies. Alternatively, spread some Nutella for a quick and delicious topping.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. This ensures they hold together well and are easier to slice.

Notes

• Oat flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour if preferred.
• You can omit the chocolate chips and nuts for a simpler brownie or adjust the quantity based on taste.
• Use unsweetened applesauce to reduce added sugars in the recipe.
• Frosting is optional but adds a rich, indulgent flavor; Nutella provides a quick alternative to melting chips and peanut butter.
• 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 brownies, baked dessert, zucchini dessert, easy brownies, guilt-free brownies