These Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies are a real treat! Made with just zucchini, cocoa powder, and a sweetener, they’re guilt-free and chocolatey!
Who knew veggies could taste so sweet? I often hide them from my kids, and they still devour these fudgy brownies. 😂 Perfect for a quick dessert anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, finely grated zucchini is a must! It adds moisture and nutrition. If you don’t have zucchini, you can use applesauce for a similar texture and sweetness, just reduce the sugar slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor. If you’re looking for a sweeter taste, you can try Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which has a milder flavor. Just be mindful of the overall sweetness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works great, but feel free to substitute with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or stevia for a healthier option. Just remember to adjust the liquid content if using a liquid sweetener!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Brownies Are Moist without Being Soggy?
Getting the right texture can be a bit tricky! Here’s how to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly moist without being soggy:
- After grating the zucchini, gently squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. This helps avoid a watery batter.
- Mix the ingredients until they are just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to denser brownies.
- Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out mostly clean – a few moist crumbs are okay!
Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 3/4 cup sugar (or preferred sweetener)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious brownies in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies cook evenly and become perfectly fudgy. While you’re at it, grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper so the brownies don’t stick.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the finely grated zucchini, cocoa powder, and sugar (or your choice of sweetener). Stir everything together well until you have a thick, smooth, and uniform batter. It might look a bit chocolatey and strange, but trust me, it’s going to taste amazing!
3. Bake It:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Don’t worry about making it perfect; it’ll spread more as it bakes. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean.
4. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps set them. After cooling, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy these delightful (and sneaky healthy!) brownies with your family or friends!
These brownies will be moist and fudgy thanks to the zucchini, with a rich chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect as a simple and healthy dessert!
FAQ for Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can use coconut sugar, agave syrup, or stevia as a substitute. Just keep in mind that if you’re using a liquid sweetener, you may need to adjust the amount of zucchini slightly to keep the consistency right.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Extras Like Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure not to add too many, as it might affect the batter’s consistency.
What if My Brownies Turn Out Too Dry?
If your brownies are dry, it might be because they were overbaked. Make sure to check them with a toothpick towards the end of the baking time. If you’d like to add moisture next time, you can increase the amount of grated zucchini a bit or add a tablespoon of applesauce for added moisture!
