Disgustingly Good: Zucchini Brownies in Under 1 Hour

Who doesn’t love a good dessert? But sometimes, you know, you wanna feel *slightly* less guilty about it, right? That’s where these Zucchini Brownies come in! They’re seriously fudgy and delicious, but shhh… they’ve got a secret ingredient. Yep, zucchini! I know, I know, it sounds weird, but trust me on this.

I used to have the *hardest* time getting my kids to eat their veggies. Total nightmare. But then, I stumbled upon this recipe, and it was like a miracle! Now, they devour these Zucchini Brownies, and they have absolutely *no* idea they’re getting a serving of vegetables. It’s my little secret weapon! And honestly? I think these are even better than regular brownies. They’re just so incredibly moist! You gotta try them!

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Brownies

• Sneaking in Veggies with Zucchini Brownies

  Seriously, it’s the *best* way to get those extra nutrients in without anyone complaining! No veggie taste, I promise!

• Moist and Delicious Zucchini Brownies

  Forget dry, crumbly brownies! These are fudgy, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying. My favorite part is the slight chewiness!

• Easy Zucchini Brownies Recipe

  Don’t have all day? No problem! This recipe is super simple and quick to whip up. You’ll be enjoying warm brownies in under an hour!

Ingredients for Zucchini Brownies

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Zucchini Brownies. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have in your pantry. And remember, measuring is key! So grab those measuring cups and spoons, and let’s get baking!

Flour

You’ll want 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. The regular stuff is perfect!

Cocoa

1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder gives these brownies that rich, chocolatey flavor. Yum!

Leavening

Just 1 teaspoon of baking soda. This helps the brownies rise and get that perfect texture. Don’t skip it!

Salt

A 1/2 teaspoon of salt balances out the sweetness. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Sugar

You’ll need 1 cup of granulated sugar. It adds sweetness and helps create that chewy texture.

Brown Sugar

1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. I like to use dark brown sugar for a richer, more molasses-y flavor, but light brown works too!

Oil

Grab 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. It keeps the brownies super moist. You can use canola oil too if that’s what you have!

Eggs

2 large eggs. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results, but don’t stress if they aren’t!

Vanilla

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. It enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skimp on the vanilla!

Zucchini

1 cup of grated zucchini, with the excess moisture squeezed out. This is the secret ingredient! Just grate it and squeeze it in a paper towel. Easy peasy!

Chocolate Chips

And finally, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips! I usually use semi-sweet, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate would be delicious too. You do you!

How to Make Zucchini Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here we go! Let’s get these Zucchini Brownies baking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fudgy brownies in no time!

Preparing for Zucchini Brownies

First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important! You want that oven nice and hot before the batter even thinks about going in. Next, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour in it – makes life so much easier! You could also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Your choice!

Combining Dry Ingredients for Zucchini Brownies

Grab a large bowl, and let’s whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisking is key here! It helps to evenly distribute everything, so you don’t end up with pockets of baking soda. Nobody wants that!

Mixing Wet Ingredients for Zucchini Brownies

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. I usually use a hand mixer, but a whisk works just fine too!

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients for Zucchini Brownies

Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we don’t want that. A few streaks of flour are okay!

Adding Zucchini and Chocolate Chips to Zucchini Brownies

Fold in 1 cup of grated zucchini (remember to squeeze out that excess moisture!) and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Folding is just gently stirring until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix here either!

Baking Your Zucchini Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Start checking them around 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Cooling and Serving Zucchini Brownies

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, they’re much easier to cut when they’re cool. Plus, the flavors meld together even more as they cool. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Zucchini Brownies

Want these Zucchini Brownies to be *perfect* every time? Of course, you do! Here are my top tips for brownie success. These little tricks can really take your brownies from good to AMAZING!

Squeezing Zucchini for Perfect Zucchini Brownies

Seriously, don’t skip this! Zucchini is full of water, and if you don’t squeeze it out, you’ll end up with soggy brownies. Nobody wants that! Just grate the zucchini, put it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! You’ll be surprised how much water comes out!

Don’t Overmix Your Zucchini Brownies

I know, it’s tempting to just keep stirring until everything is perfectly smooth, but resist! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your brownies tough. Mix until *just* combined, and you’ll be rewarded with fudgy, tender brownies.

Checking for Doneness in Your Zucchini Brownies

The toothpick test is your friend! Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, they’re done! If it comes out with wet batter, they need a few more minutes. But be careful not to overbake them! You want them fudgy, not dry!

Zucchini Brownies Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Zucchini Brownies recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! These brownies are like a blank canvas – you can add all sorts of goodies to make them your own!

Adding Nuts to Your Zucchini Brownies

Want a little crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts! Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but almonds or even macadamia nuts would be delicious too! I usually add about 1/2 cup.

Using Different Chocolate in Zucchini Brownies

Don’t just stick to semi-sweet chocolate chips! Experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips! Or, chop up a chocolate bar and throw that in! My favorite? A mix of dark and milk chocolate – so decadent!

Spicing Up Your Zucchini Brownies

A little spice can really take these brownies to the next level! Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Or, for a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper! Whoa! Just be careful not to overdo it!

Storing and Reheating Your Zucchini Brownies

Alright, so you’ve managed to not eat *all* the Zucchini Brownies in one sitting? Impressive! Here’s how to keep those babies fresh and delicious, and how to warm them up if you want that melty chocolate chip goodness again!

Storing Zucchini Brownies

Just pop those leftover Zucchini Brownies in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for about 3-4 days. Though, let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

Reheating Zucchini Brownies

Want a warm, fudgy brownie? Just microwave a square for about 15-20 seconds. Careful, they can get lava-hot! Or, you can warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes. Either way, pure bliss!

FAQ About Zucchini Brownies

Got questions about these amazing Zucchini Brownies? I got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Hopefully, this clears everything up, so you can bake with confidence!

Can I freeze Zucchini Brownies?

Absolutely! These Zucchini Brownies freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat one, just thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Easy peasy!

Can I use frozen zucchini for Zucchini Brownies?

Yep, you totally can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out *all* the excess moisture. Frozen zucchini tends to be even wetter than fresh, so you really need to squeeze it dry! Otherwise, your brownies might end up a bit soggy.

How do I prevent my Zucchini Brownies from being soggy?

Soggy brownies are a bummer! The key is to squeeze, squeeze, squeeze that zucchini! Get rid of as much moisture as possible before adding it to the batter. Trust me, this makes a *huge* difference!

Can I make Zucchini Brownies gluten-free?

You bet! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum (or add some yourself), as this helps to bind the ingredients together. Gluten-free baking can be a little tricky, but it definitely works with this recipe!

What is the best way to grate zucchini for Zucchini Brownies?

I usually use a good old-fashioned box grater. It’s quick, easy, and gets the job done! But if you’re grating a *ton* of zucchini, a food processor with a grating attachment can be a lifesaver. Just be careful not to over-process it!

Nutritional Information for Zucchini Brownies

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutritional info for these Zucchini Brownies, huh? I don’t have exact figures (I’m a cook, not a scientist!), but I can give you a rough estimate. Keep in mind, it’s just a ballpark!

Rate This Zucchini Brownies Recipe

Loved these Zucchini Brownies? I wanna know! Leave a rating and comment below. Your feedback helps other bakers, and I *love* hearing from you!

Print