Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Chunks
These Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Chunks offer a deliciously moist and fudgy chocolate treat with a healthy twist. Grated zucchini adds moisture and subtle sweetness without overpowering the classic rich chocolate flavor, while gooey chocolate chunks create bursts of melty goodness. Perfect for sneaking vegetables into a dessert, this easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and results in irresistibly soft, fudgy brownies.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution option)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini, gently squeezed of excess moisture
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Chunks
- 3/4 cup chocolate chunks (dark, milk, or white chocolate chunks as desired)
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and grate your zucchini finely, then gently squeeze out some excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel—this ensures your brownies stay fudgy but not too wet.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This gives the brownies a balanced rise and rich chocolate foundation.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy, creating a creamy base for the batter.
- Bring it all together: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to overmix, then gently stir in the grated zucchini and chocolate chunks for that special texture and flavor burst.
- Bake until perfect: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Notes
- Don’t over-squeeze zucchini: You want some moisture to keep the brownies tender but not soggy.
- Use quality chocolate chunks: Good chocolate melts better and creates those irresistible gooey pockets.
- Test doneness carefully: Pull brownies out slightly before they seem fully baked to keep fudginess.
- Cool before slicing: Let the brownies cool completely to set, making them easier to cut neatly.
- Customize sweetness: Adjust sugar amount to your preferred level for a balanced, not overly sweet treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (if 12 brownies)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: zucchini brownies, chocolate chunk brownies, healthy brownies, gluten-free brownies, chocolate dessert, fudgy brownies, vegetable dessert