Hey there, fellow busy moms! 👋

It’s Juliette from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition, and today we’re tackling a sneaky way to get more veggies into our little ones (and ourselves!). I’m talking about zucchini brownies – yes, you read that right! This isn’t just about hiding veggies; it’s about creating something truly delicious and nourishing that the whole family will love.

I remember when I first made zucchini brownies, I was desperate. My son, a self-proclaimed vegetable hater, was going through a picky phase. I needed a dinnertime nutrition win. So, I stumbled upon a zucchini brownies recipe online and thought, “Why not?” The first batch? Let’s just say it was a learning experience. But after a few tweaks, I landed on a recipe that even my veggie-averse son couldn’t resist. He devoured them, and I felt like I’d unlocked some serious mom superpowers! I knew then that zucchini brownies could be a simple nutrition strategy for other moms, too.

These zucchini brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to sneak in extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which is a huge win in my book. We all need all the help we can get on our wellness journey!

So, grab your aprons, and let’s get baking! This delicious zucchini brownies recipe will change how you think about sneaking veggies into your family’s meals. Are you ready for a simple nutrition solution? Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious zucchini brownies. Don’t worry; the ingredient list is simple because I know busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: (For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free blend – I like Bob’s Red Mill!)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: (Adds that rich chocolate flavor we all crave.)
1 teaspoon baking soda: (Helps these zucchini brownies rise perfectly.)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt: (Balances the sweetness.)
1 cup granulated sugar: (Feel free to reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat!)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: (Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.)
1/2 cup vegetable oil: (You can also use melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.)
2 large eggs: (Flax eggs work great for a vegan version!)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: (Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.)
2 cups shredded zucchini: (Don’t squeeze out the excess moisture – it keeps these zucchini brownies super moist!) My family gets extra nutrition when I add the zucchini!
1 cup chocolate chips: (Semi-sweet or dark chocolate – your choice!)

Ingredients for making zucchini brownies, including flour, cocoa powder, sugar, zucchini, and chocolate chips.

You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. Trust me, this zucchini brownies recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive! No worries if you don’t have granulated sugar – I use honey or maple syrup for extra nutrients in my zucchini brownies. Also, for an extra nutrition boost, I sometimes add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal to the batter.

Here’s a zucchini brownies nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: Use whole wheat flour! This gives these chocolate zucchini brownies more fiber, which is great for digestion. I also like to add a handful of walnuts or pecans for extra healthy fats and a bit of crunch. If you are looking for some additional ideas for a healthy dessert, check out this Creamy Reuben Soup.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these simple and delicious zucchini brownies, step by step. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious zucchini brownies usually takes about 30-35 minutes to bake.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined! This ensures that the zucchini brownies will rise evenly and have a great texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough zucchini brownies.
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips. Make sure the zucchini is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Your zucchini brownies should smell nourishing by now.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Don’t worry if your zucchini brownies looks a little lumpy – that’s just the zucchini!
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Here’s where I used to struggle with my zucchini brownies – I would always overbake them. Learn from my experience!
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from falling apart. While your zucchini brownies is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!

Here’s a zucchini brownies nutrition shortcut: Buy pre-shredded zucchini! It saves time and effort, especially on busy weeknights. You can also shred the zucchini ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two.

Another tip: For extra moist chocolate zucchini brownies, add a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter. This also adds a bit of extra sweetness and nutrients.

If you want a vegan option, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Simply mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes to thicken. It works like a charm! Need more simple nutrition ideas for busy families? Check out this White Lasagna Soup Recipe!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve baked these amazing zucchini brownies. Now, how do you serve them? Well, let me tell you, my family has a few favorite ways to enjoy this simple nutrition treat!

The kids devour this nutritious zucchini brownies when I serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of berries. The yogurt adds a boost of protein and calcium, while the berries provide antioxidants and extra vitamins. It’s a win-win! This also makes the healthy zucchini brownies even more appealing to little ones.

These zucchini brownies are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I often pack them in my kids’ lunchboxes as a healthy and satisfying treat. They’re also great for after-school snacks.

For a more decadent treat, try serving these moist zucchini brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm, chocolatey goodness and cool, creamy deliciousness. This is how I like to enjoy my healthy zucchini brownies after a long day!

If you have any leftover zucchini brownies (which is rare in my house!), you can crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

I’ve also experimented with seasonal variations of this recipe. In the fall, I like to add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor. In the summer, I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the chocolate flavor. My friends and guests always rave about these vegan zucchini brownies, especially when I tell them they have a secret ingredient!

Presentation is key when it comes to getting kids to eat healthy food. I like to cut the zucchini brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters. You can also arrange them on a plate with a colorful assortment of fruits and berries. Another great simple nutrition meal can be found at Creamy Reuben Soup.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about these zucchini brownies. So, I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get from fellow busy moms and answered them for you!

Is this zucchini brownies really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! These zucchini brownies are packed with nutrients from the zucchini, cocoa powder, and other wholesome ingredients. Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants. Plus, you can add extra nutrients by using whole wheat flour, flaxseed meal, or other nutritious ingredients. The goal is simple nutrition, right?

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy zucchini brownies?

Don’t give up! Sometimes it takes multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food. Try serving the zucchini brownies with a dip that your child enjoys, such as yogurt or peanut butter. You can also cut them into fun shapes or decorate them with sprinkles to make them more appealing. And remember, modeling is key! If your child sees you enjoying the healthy zucchini brownies, they’re more likely to try it themselves.

Can I meal prep this zucchini brownies for busy weeks ahead?

Yes, you can! These zucchini brownies are great for meal prepping. Simply bake a batch on the weekend and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, gluten-free flour, or almond flour. Keep in mind that the texture of the zucchini brownies may vary depending on the type of flour you use.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture of the zucchini brownies. You can also use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, in place of some of the sugar. I like that swap for better simple nutrition.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as nuts, dried fruit, or spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger all pair well with chocolate and zucchini.

How do I store these zucchini brownies?

Store these moist zucchini brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

Final Thoughts:

So, there you have it! A simple and delicious zucchini brownies recipe that’s perfect for busy moms who want to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing flavor. This recipe supports our family nutrition goals!

My zucchini brownies Nutrition Hacks:

Use whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and nutrients.
Add flaxseed meal: Boosts omega-3s and fiber.
Reduce the amount of sugar: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Here are a few family-tested healthy zucchini brownies variations:

Vegan zucchini brownies: Use flax eggs and dairy-free chocolate chips. My daughter prefers this version because she’s sensitive to dairy.
Gluten-free zucchini brownies: Use a gluten-free flour blend. My son loves these because he has a gluten intolerance.
Chocolate chip zucchini brownies: Add extra chocolate chips for a more decadent treat. We all love these chocolate zucchini brownies!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and that it helps you on your journey to simple nutrition! Remember, feeding your family well doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Just a few simple tweaks can make a big difference. Feel free to make it your own healthy way! I hope that these moist zucchini brownies will be a new nutrition win in your home.

And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the process! Cooking with your family can be a fun and rewarding experience. Happy baking! I hope for their family’s nutrition success while making this recipe! You can find another great recipe here: https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/loaded-hamburger-soup! Let me know how you like the zucchini brownies!

zucchini brownies

Print Recipe

These fudgy zucchini brownies are a delicious and sneaky way to get your veggies in! Rich chocolate flavor hides the zucchini, making them a perfect treat for kids and adults alike.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat until well combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For an extra decadent treat, frost the brownies with your favorite chocolate frosting.