Description
These Thick and Fudgy Zucchini Brownies blend rich chocolate with moist zucchini for a decadent yet slightly nutritious treat. With a perfectly gooey interior and a luscious cocoa frosting, these brownies are ideal for chocolate lovers seeking a unique twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
- 1 bag (10 ounces) mini chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Frosting
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons warmed milk (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.
- Browning Butter and Melting Chocolate: Add the stick of butter to a pot over medium heat. Allow it to brown lightly, releasing a toasted, nutty aroma in about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the mini chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously for about 1 minute until bubbly on top. Slowly add the melted chocolate-butter mixture and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and glossy, around 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add Zucchini and Dry Ingredients: Fold in the grated zucchini evenly. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then, fold in the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the brownies are just set; they will be thick and fudgy. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly while preparing frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and warm milk. Add additional warm milk or powdered sugar as needed to achieve a thicker but still pourable, drizzly consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Frost and Set: Spread the frosting evenly over the warm brownies. Let the brownies set for about 1 hour to allow the frosting to firm up, or slice and serve immediately if preferred.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into 16 squares and enjoy these luscious, fudgy brownies with a moist texture from the zucchini and rich chocolate flavor.
Notes
- Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain fudginess; check doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out with moist crumbs.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth batter mixing.
- The frosting can be adjusted to preference; add more powdered sugar to thicken or warm milk to thin.
- Brown butter carefully to avoid burning and to maximize nutty flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American