🍫🍫 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 lover’s dream. Incorporating zucchini into brownies might sound unconventional, but it adds an incredible amount of moisture without altering the flavor, making these brownies both fudgy and delicious. Let’s dive into the details of creating these delectable Zucchini Brownies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering Zucchini Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup (112 g) vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps create a fudgy texture.
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups (256 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the brownies.
- ½ cup (64 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the brownies rise.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 3 cups finely shredded zucchini: Adds moisture without affecting the taste.
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks: Adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pan and Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or baking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the parchment to go up the sides for easy removal after baking.
Making the Batter
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. This mixture will be the foundation for the wet ingredients in the batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until well combined. The batter will be very dry at this stage, which is normal.
- Fold in Zucchini: Gently fold in the finely shredded zucchini by hand. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes. The moisture from the zucchini will gradually hydrate the dry ingredients, transforming the batter from dry to moist.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: After the batter has rested, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks. If the batter still appears dry, let it rest for another 5 minutes and stir again. The batter should become wetter as the zucchini releases its moisture.
Baking the Brownies
- Spread the Batter: Spread the brownie mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure the batter is evenly distributed.
- Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make the brownies dry.
Cooling and Serving
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, fudgy texture and the hidden benefits of zucchini!
Serving Suggestions
These Zucchini Brownies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more indulgent:
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie for a light and airy contrast.
- With Fresh Berries: Garnish the brownies with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Brownies
- Do Not Drain the Zucchini: The moisture from the zucchini is crucial for achieving the perfect fudgy texture. Do not drain or squeeze the zucchini before adding it to the batter.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the eggs and oil, are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and evenly.
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest after adding the zucchini helps hydrate the dry ingredients and results in a moister batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. The brownies should be set but still slightly fudgy in the center.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Brownies: Add a cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Spicy Brownies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a hint of warmth and spice.
- Double Chocolate: Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chunks for a richer chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one brownie):
- Calories: 373 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugars: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
The Joy of Baking with Zucchini
Baking with zucchini is a wonderful way to add moisture and nutrients to your baked goods without altering the flavor. Zucchini is virtually tasteless in baked goods but provides a significant amount of moisture, making it perfect for brownies. The result is a rich, fudgy dessert that is both satisfying and slightly healthier than traditional brownies.
Conclusion
These Zucchini Brownies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers looking to add a healthy twist to their desserts. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet batter, and the moisture from the zucchini creates a brownie that is both decadent and delicious. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, these brownies are sure to impress.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The result is a fudgy, moist brownie that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Zucchini Brownies, and savor every chocolatey bite. Happy baking!
🍫🍫 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 lover’s dream. Incorporating zucchini into brownies might sound unconventional, but it adds an incredible amount of moisture without altering the flavor, making these brownies both fudgy and delicious. Let’s dive into the details of creating these delectable Zucchini Brownies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering Zucchini Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup (112 g) vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps create a fudgy texture.
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups (256 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the brownies.
- ½ cup (64 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the brownies rise.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 3 cups finely shredded zucchini: Adds moisture without affecting the taste.
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks: Adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pan and Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or baking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the parchment to go up the sides for easy removal after baking.
Making the Batter
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. This mixture will be the foundation for the wet ingredients in the batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until well combined. The batter will be very dry at this stage, which is normal.
- Fold in Zucchini: Gently fold in the finely shredded zucchini by hand. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes. The moisture from the zucchini will gradually hydrate the dry ingredients, transforming the batter from dry to moist.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: After the batter has rested, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks. If the batter still appears dry, let it rest for another 5 minutes and stir again. The batter should become wetter as the zucchini releases its moisture.
Baking the Brownies
- Spread the Batter: Spread the brownie mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure the batter is evenly distributed.
- Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make the brownies dry.
Cooling and Serving
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, fudgy texture and the hidden benefits of zucchini!
Serving Suggestions
These Zucchini Brownies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more indulgent:
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie for a light and airy contrast.
- With Fresh Berries: Garnish the brownies with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Brownies
- Do Not Drain the Zucchini: The moisture from the zucchini is crucial for achieving the perfect fudgy texture. Do not drain or squeeze the zucchini before adding it to the batter.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the eggs and oil, are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and evenly.
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest after adding the zucchini helps hydrate the dry ingredients and results in a moister batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. The brownies should be set but still slightly fudgy in the center.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Brownies: Add a cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Spicy Brownies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a hint of warmth and spice.
- Double Chocolate: Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chunks for a richer chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one brownie):
- Calories: 373 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugars: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
The Joy of Baking with Zucchini
Baking with zucchini is a wonderful way to add moisture and nutrients to your baked goods without altering the flavor. Zucchini is virtually tasteless in baked goods but provides a significant amount of moisture, making it perfect for brownies. The result is a rich, fudgy dessert that is both satisfying and slightly healthier than traditional brownies.
Conclusion
These Zucchini Brownies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers looking to add a healthy twist to their desserts. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet batter, and the moisture from the zucchini creates a brownie that is both decadent and delicious. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, these brownies are sure to impress.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The result is a fudgy, moist brownie that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Zucchini Brownies, and savor every chocolatey bite. Happy baking!