Zucchini Brownie Recipe
This Zucchini Brownie recipe offers a moist, chocolaty treat that cleverly incorporates shredded zucchini for added moisture and a subtle veggie boost without compromising on flavor. With a rich cocoa base, melty chocolate chips, and a luscious homemade chocolate frosting, these brownies are perfect for dessert lovers looking for a unique twist on a classic favorite.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownies:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup (42g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (3 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups (297g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (206g) shredded zucchini
Frosting:
- ⅓ cup (79ml) milk
- 5 Tbsp natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (341g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Prepare the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Set aside to combine evenly.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Combine wet ingredients: Stir granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth batter base.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet chocolate mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in zucchini: Carefully fold the shredded zucchini into the batter. This adds moisture and a subtle vegetable flavor without overpowering the brownies.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool before frosting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting will set properly.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium saucepan over low heat, heat milk, cocoa powder, and butter until the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Mix the frosting: Sift in powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and salt. Whisk or use an electric mixer to break up any powdered sugar clumps, creating a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Frost the brownies: Pour the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Allow the frosting to set completely at room temperature before slicing into 12 squares and serving.
Notes
- Grate the zucchini finely and gently squeeze out excess moisture if it’s very watery to avoid a soggy brownie.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips as preferred.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: zucchini brownies, chocolate brownies, vegetable brownies, healthy brownies, homemade brownies, moist brownies, chocolate frosting brownies