Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 3 medium), drained on paper towels
Chocolate
- 1 and 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips, divided (1 cup + 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly to combine evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the canola oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir these into the dry ingredients until the batter is well combined and thick.
- Incorporate Zucchini and Chocolate: Stir in the shredded and drained zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Then fold in 1 cup of the dark chocolate chips until incorporated.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips evenly over the top for added texture and chocolate bursts.
- Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked but moist inside.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into 9 squares.
- Storage and Serving Suggestion: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These brownies are great served cold but warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drain the shredded zucchini well on paper towels to avoid excess moisture making the brownies too wet.
- Use whole wheat flour to add fiber and nutrition, but these can be swapped for all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Dark chocolate chips can be substituted with semi-sweet for a slightly sweeter version.
- Don't overbake to keep the brownies fudgy and moist.
- If you prefer, you can add nuts or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- These brownies can be frozen for longer storage; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian