These Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies are a tasty treat without the fuss! Made with zucchini, cocoa powder, and a sweetener, they’re surprisingly chocolatey and delicious.
Who knew veggies could be this yummy? I love that I can sneak in some greens while satisfying my chocolate cravings. Bake ‘em up, and you’ll have a guilt-free snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Shredded zucchini adds moisture without a strong flavor, making these brownies rich and fudgy. Instead of zucchini, you could try pumpkin or even mashed bananas for a different twist!
Nut Butter: I used almond butter, but peanut butter works too! If you’re nut-free, a sunflower seed butter can be a great alternative. Each type will give the brownies a unique flavor.
Cocoa Powder: This ingredient is crucial for the chocolatey taste. If you want to cut the bitterness, use Dutch-processed cocoa. For extra sweetness, consider adding a bit of maple syrup or honey (if not strict vegan).
How Do You Get the Right Texture in Your Brownies?
The key to perfect brownies lies in the moisture content and ingredients. Squeezing the shredded zucchini is essential—getting rid of excess moisture prevents sogginess. Here’s a simple way to ensure your brownies are just right:
- Shred the zucchini and then place it in a clean towel, twisting it to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps. This ensures an even consistency.
- Don’t over-bake! Check at the 25-minute mark—brownies continue cooking a bit as they cool, so a slightly moist toothpick is okay.
Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients List:
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture (if desired)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll have delicious, fudgy brownies ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for a quick treat!
Detailed Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, get your baking pan ready by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then shred it using a grater or food processor. It’s important to remove excess moisture, so place the shredded zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist the towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible—this helps your brownies stay firm and fudgy!
3. Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed shredded zucchini, almond butter, and cocoa powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. If you want extra texture, you can fold in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts at this stage.
4. Bake:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Put it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs clinging to it—perfect for that fudgy texture!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut. When cool, slice into squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Enjoy these fudgy, healthy zucchini brownies with just 3 main ingredients—the perfect quick and nutritious chocolate bite!
FAQ for Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter is delicious, you can use any nut butter you prefer, such as peanut butter or cashew butter. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter—it works wonderfully too!
Can I Substitute the Zucchini for Another Vegetable?
Yes! You can substitute zucchini with grated carrots or even pumpkin puree. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust baking time and moisture levels accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Brownies Sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter brownies, consider adding a bit of maple syrup or honey (if not vegan) to the mixture. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to your taste!
