Zucchini Brownies

Recipe by PJ Hamel
122 Reviews 4.3 out of 5 stars

Do these dark, super-moist fudge brownies look like they're made with zucchini? No, they don't — and trust us, no one enjoying them will be the wiser. Rather than the usual method of shredding zucchini for your sweet treats, this time we purée it — so that all it adds is moisture, not any unwelcome "stringy" texture.

Want to reduce the carbs and calories in this recipe? Substitute our King Arthur Baking Sugar Alternative for the sugar called for. See how in "tips," below.

Prep
7 mins
Bake
25 to 30 mins
Total
37 mins
Yield
16 brownies
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Zucchini Brownies

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" square pan.

  2. To make the brownies: Combine the zucchini, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in the work bowl of a food processor, and process until smooth.

  3. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, salt, and flour; process briefly, just until well combined.

  4. Add the chips, and pulse several times, to break up the chips just a bit.

  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

  6. Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it; you shouldn't see any sign of wet batter. Remove the brownies from the oven, and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

  7. To make the frosting: Combine the chocolate chips and milk or cream in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Heat until the milk is steaming, and the chips are soft. Remove from the heat, and stir until smooth.

  8. Spread the frosting atop the brownies. Place them in the refrigerator for an hour or so, to set; then store them at room temperature, covered, for several days.

Tips from our Bakers

  • If you don't have a food processor, use a blender to blend the zucchini, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth; then transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl before proceeding with the recipe.

  • Looking for a gluten-free version of this recipe? Find it here: Gluten-Free Zucchini Brownies.

  • Want to substitute whole wheat flour for some (or perhaps all) of the all-purpose flour in this recipe? For best results, see How to substitute whole wheat flour for white flour in baking.  

  • Here's an easy way to reduce the carbs and calories in this recipe: substitute King Arthur Baking Sugar Alternative, cup for cup, for the sugar(s) called for. Be sure to substitute by volume (not weight); follow mixing directions as written. Use the designated oven temperature called for in the recipe. Since our Baking Sugar Alternative will bake and brown more quickly, start checking for doneness three-quarters of the way through the suggested bake time.

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