Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Chunks
Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Chunks combine rich, fudgy chocolate with the subtle moisture of grated zucchini for a moist, dense texture. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a hidden veggie boost, these brownies offer melty chocolate pockets and a versatile recipe suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter or oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chocolate chunks (semi-sweet or bittersweet recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and finely grate the zucchini. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to gently squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy brownies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer or by hand, cream the melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and slightly fluffy, creating a rich base for fudgy brownies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture thoroughly for stability and enhanced flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just blended, ensuring the batter remains tender by avoiding over-mixing.
- Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chunks: Carefully stir in the grated zucchini and chocolate chunks, which will create luscious melty pockets of chocolate during baking.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into a lined baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Grate the zucchini finely to ensure it blends seamlessly without affecting texture.
- Remove excess moisture from the zucchini to avoid overly wet or dense brownies.
- Use high-quality chocolate chunks with a high cacao percentage for richer flavor and better melting.
- Do not overbake; checking early ensures brownies remain fudgy and moist.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before cutting to achieve clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: zucchini brownies, chocolate chunks, fudgy brownies, hidden vegetable dessert, moist brownies, gluten-free brownies option