Today, I’ve got the most delicious healthier zucchini brownies that are perfectly soft and fudgy. These brownies are loaded with chocolate and will easily satisfy any sweet tooth you have. A perfect better for you treat for you and your kids without sacrificing flavour.
I’ll be honest, I actually can’t stand zucchini on its own but it’s one of my favourite things to bake with. It’s such an easy way to add a veggie into something while also adding moisture and making it better! I know lots of people grow their own zucchini and end up with an abundance as well so it’s always good to have a variety of recipes in your back pocket to use them up.
These healthier zucchini brownies swap out the regular flour for whole wheat flour, replace the butter with coconut oil, or canola oil for better fats and use a bit less sugar than a traditional brownie recipe. I tested this recipe multiple times to ensure these still tasted like a chocolate packed brownie while still being a better for you treat.
For some other better for you treats, try my chocolate banana brownies, which are also gluten free or my pumpkin Biscoff energy bites, the perfect on the go snack.
FAQ: Healthier Zucchini Brownies
Can You Taste The Zucchini?
No, it basically dissolves into the batter while it bakes so you definitaly don’t taste it and usually won’t see it either if you’ve got picky kids.
Can I Use A Healthier Fat Than Coconut Oil?
Yes, as coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, it is a saturated fat. If you’d like to use something like avocado oil or canola oil, do a 1 to 1 substitute. The brownies will be a little more cakey however.
Can I Use Less Sugar?
I don’t recommend using less sugar if you want to keep that fudgier brownie texture.
Are These Brownies Gluten Free?
No, they do have whole wheat flour. I’m not sure how these would bake with a gluten free 1:1 substitute as that typically emulates all purpose flour.
Glass vs. Metal Pans
While I prefer the look of glass, it’s really not ideal for baking. Glass takes much longer to heat which can leave you with an overbaked brownie making it more cakey than fudgy. Metal pans heat much more evenly and will give you the perfect texture.
How to Freeze Healthier Zucchini Brownies?
If you want to freeze these, follow these steps:
- Fully cool the brownies and then slice into pieces.
- Place a paper towel on the bottom of an airtight container or bag.
- Put the pieces on top of the paper towel in a single layer. If you need to layer them, put a small square of paper towel between the layers.
- Seal and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To eat, take amount you need out and let thaw at room temperature for 2 hours or heat in the microwave in 20 second increments. But be cautious if using the microwave when feeding children or toddlers, it can leave hot spots. You can also just eat them straight out of the freezer if you prefer!
How to Properly Measure Flour
So when it comes to measuring flour, the most accurate and easiest way is to use a kitchen scale. I always use a scale and could never go back to measuring in cups. It’s such a hassle and way more dishes!
If you don’t own a scale, there are a couple steps to properly measure flour as it becomes compacted just sitting in the bag or container. I highly recommend you follow these as just scooping flour out of the bag can potentially lead to at least an additional 1/4 cup of flour. This equals dry and dense baked goods which is not what anybody is going for.
1. Fluff the flour by giving it a mix with a whisk or fork.
2. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup.
3. Level the excess flour off using a butter knife. (With the back of the knife level to the top of the measuring cup, run it over top, pushing the excess flour back into it’s container.)
4. Repeat until you’ve measured the amount the recipe calls for.
Baking Tips
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients! They will mix together much easier creating a smoother, more well incorporated batter.
- Don’t skip the heating of the oil and zucchini juice, this helps to bloom the cocoa powder making them more chocolatey.
- I create my recipes based off weights so I recommend measuring by weights if you own a scale. It’s actually so much easier and makes for much less cleanup. I wish I had baked by weight from the beginning, I could never go back now.
More Zucchini Baking Options
Today’s song is one I haven’t been able to stop listening to the past month or two even though it makes my eyes water just a touch. Such a beautiful song that always makes me homesick. Here’s The Sun Will Never Settle by Kingfishr. Happy baking!! **Disclaimer: Liv’s Little Muffins owns no rights to this song.
Don’t forget to leave a STAR REVIEW if you try my recipe! Follow me on Facebook or tag me on instagram @livslittlemuffins. Find more ideas on my Pinterest or Whisk.
The Best Healthier Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (200g) finely grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup (113g) coconut oil
- 1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp ground espresso
- 3/4 cup (135g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup (55g) semi sweet chocolate chips (I like mini so they disperse better)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- Lay your grated zucchini on a paper towel or thinner tea cloth. Over a larger microwave safe bowl, squeeze as much liquid of the zucchini as you can into the bowl. Add the coconut oil and heat in the microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted.
- Add the cocoa powder and ground espresso and whisk until combined. This may take a minute to get the cocoa to incorporate. Add the brown sugar and whisk in for 30 seconds. Then add the egg and whisk vigorously for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the salt, baking soda and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined. Add the flour, grated zucchini and chocolate chips and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the pan we set aside and spread it evenly with the spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2/3 of the way in comes out with moist crumbs. For brownies, if the toothpick comes out clean, they're overbaked. The toothpick also shouldn't be wet with batter, this means they're underbaked.
- Allow the brownies to fully cool before cutting and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
