Zucchini Brownies

If you’ve never added zucchini to your baked goods drop everything you are doing and do it now! These Zucchini Brownies are unbelievably moist and rich. A chocolate lovers dream!

Zucchini Brownies

When I first made these Zucchini Brownies in 2012 I declared that I would never need another brownie recipe. They are the BEST brownie I have ever eaten, hands down. But, zucchini is very much a seasonal product, so having a great brownie recipe that doesn’t have zucchini is important. Every summer I am reminded just how magical zucchini is in baked goods and these become my favorite again!

When using zucchini in recipes there are a couple tips & tricks help to make sure your baked goods are perfect!

-Use the fine side of your grater. Coarser pieces will have a slightly more noticeable flavor and texture in a finished cake or bread recipe. (Farm kids tend to want that!)

-Some recipes ask that the zucchini is pressed well with a clean towel to soak up excess moisture or to prevent whatever your baking from getting too soggy. Pay close attention to the recipe that you are making with zucchini as the level of moisture they provide is important. For instance, in this recipe, the zucchini is the main source of moisture and should NOT be drained!

Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

This recipe is going to test any experienced bakers boundaries as it does not act like a normal brownie.

The batter is DRY. Extremely dry. Until you add the zucchini that is! Assemble the batter according to the recipe instructions and then let it rest for 5 minutes. Stir again and you will see how much moisture the zucchini adds!

I added semi-sweet chocolate chunks to this batch to make the double chocolate. You can add milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or no chips! They are so good and so rich the extra flavor is not necessary. (But can be fun!) If you do use chocolate morsels instead of chunks, be sure to use 1 1/2 cups instead of 1 1/4. Reserve a few for the top too!

As you can see, the zucchini bits practically disappear into the glorious chocolate layers. If you don’t tell people, they will never know you added a full 3 cups of this abundant vegetable!

Eggless Brownies

You will notice that there are no eggs or butter added to this recipe. They are absolutely not needed! These Zucchini Brownies bake up beautifully (almost cake-like) and do not need the added air and flavor that eggs usually add. This is a great recipe for vegan friends!

Another bonus? This recipe can be made in 1 bowl!

4.77 from 26 votes

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Zucchini Brownies

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: zucchini brownies

Servings: 12 brownies

Author: Amanda

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (112g) vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups (256g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (64g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 cups finely shredded zucchini DO NOT DRAIN
• 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 pan with butter (or use baking spray) and line with parchment paper. (Allow parchment paper to go up the sides for easy removal.)
2. In a large bowl combine oil, sugar, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
3. Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined. Batter will be very dry.
4. Fold in zucchini by hand. Allow batter to rest for 5 minutes.
5. Add in chocolate chunks and stir again. Batter should appear more wet. (if not, let it rest for 5 more minutes and stir again)
6. Spread brownie mixture into the pan and bake for 25-35 minutes. Brownies are done with an inserted toothpick is removed with crumbs. There should not be wet batter on the toothpick.

If you love frosting on your Zucchini Brownies, try adding my super special secret ingredient Brownie Frosting.