Description
Vegan Zucchini Brownies are a rich and fudgy dessert made with shredded zucchini, providing moisture and tenderness. Packed with plant-based ingredients, these brownies are vegan, gluten-free, and full of deep chocolate flavor, making them a healthier yet indulgent treat for everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolatey goodness)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dairy-free milk (almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 6 tbsp water (flax egg) or 2 tbsp chia seeds + 6 tbsp water
Instructions
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseeds (or chia seeds) and water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the maple syrup, oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and dairy-free milk. Stir well to combine.Add flax egg: Add the flax egg to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips (if using).Pour into pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour to make these brownies gluten-free.Nuts: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Frosted Zucchini Brownies: Add a layer of vegan chocolate frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.More Chocolate: If you love chocolate, increase the amount of cocoa powder or chocolate chips for an even richer brownie.Spicy Zucchini Brownies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a unique spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
