These Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies are a sweet treat that you won’t feel guilty about! Made with just zucchini, cocoa powder, and sweetener, they’re rich and fudgy!
Honestly, who knew zucchini could make such tasty brownies? I love how simple they are to whip up. Perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend all day baking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star ingredient! Make sure to grate it finely and remove the excess moisture, so it doesn’t make your brownies too wet. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use shredded carrots as a close substitute.
Cocoa Powder: I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. You could also use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste. If you want, try replacing it with carob powder, but the flavor will change a bit!
Sweetener: The recipe calls for sweetener, which can be sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar alternative. I like using coconut sugar for its caramel-like flavor. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, erythritol or stevia are great options!
How Do You Properly Prepare the Zucchini?
Getting the zucchini ready is crucial for the best brownies. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by washing the zucchini, then grate it using the fine side of a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the ends of the towel and twist it to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- After squeezing, you want the zucchini to be moist but not soaked. This helps achieve a fudgy brownie texture!
Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated and squeezed of excess moisture)
- 1 cup cocoa powder or unsweetened dark chocolate baking cocoa
- 3/4 cup sweetener (such as sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar alternative like erythritol)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious brownie recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a lovely pan of fudgy brownies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This will help your brownies come out easily after baking!
2. Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini finely using a grater. Then, take the grated zucchini and place it inside a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out the excess moisture until it’s still moist, but not dripping wet. This step is important for the right texture!
3. Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, cocoa powder, and your choice of sweetener. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together until you have a thick, uniform batter. Don’t worry if it seems thick; it’s supposed to be that way!
4. Pour and Spread
Now, pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan, making sure it’s level.
5. Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. When they’re done, the edges should pull away slightly from the sides, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve
Take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Enjoy your fudgy, delicious brownies that secretly incorporate healthy zucchini!
These brownies are not only easy to make but also gluten-free, making them a fantastic option for a healthier dessert or snack!
FAQ for Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Can I Use Other Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sweetener with options like honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural choice. Just remember that liquid sweeteners may change the texture slightly, so reduce other moist ingredients if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Ingredients for More Flavour?
Yes! Feel free to customize your brownies by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or spices (such as cinnamon or vanilla extract) for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many extras may change baking times slightly.
What If My Batter Looks Too Thick?
If your batter seems overly thick, it’s perfectly normal for this recipe! However, if you’d like it a bit smoother, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or melted coconut oil to help loosen it up before spreading it in the pan.
