Zucchini brownies
Do you love gardening and have a surplus of zucchini? Look no further! Our delicious yet healthy zucchini brownies are the perfect solution. These decadent treats are packed with chunks of melting chocolate, making every bite a truly heavenly experience. Made with fresh zucchini from your own garden, they have a rich and juicy texture that will leave you wanting more. For the ultimate dessert feeling, serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Treat yourself to the joys of home-grown delicacies with our irresistible zucchini brownies!
Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus some butter for the tin
- 120g plain flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 200g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- 4 eggs
- 300g powdered sugar
- 1 zucchini (approx. 300 g), grated
- 100g milk chocolate chips
Preparation steps
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
- Butter a 30 x 20 cm cake tin or deep baking tray and line it with baking paper.
- Sift the flour and cocoa into a bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Or do this in short bursts in the microwave. Once melted, set aside and let cool slightly.
- Mix eggs and sugar in a large bowl with an electric whisk until thick and doubled in volume. (When you lift the beaters, the mixture should leave a trail that lasts 2-3 seconds.)
- Fold in the melted chocolate mixture, then the flour mixture, then the grated zucchini and milk chocolate chips. Do this carefully to keep as much air in the dough as possible.
- Pour the dough into the prepared pan and gently smooth the surface with a spatula or spatula.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until just set – the top should have a glossy crust, but the center should jiggle slightly.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
- Place on a board and cut into 16 pieces.
- Store in an airtight container for up to five days.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 332 | 19g | 11g | 34g | 0g | 2g | 5g | 0.3g |
Equipment and tools
- 8-inch square baking pan
- baking paper
- mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- grater
- Knife
- Pot
- Heat-resistant bowl
Allergen information
This recipe may contain the following allergens:
- Dairy products (unsalted butter, dark chocolate, milk chocolate chips)
- Gluten (normal flour)
Please take necessary precautions if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Storage and leftovers
Once cooled, the zucchini brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
You can also freeze the brownies for longer storage. Cut them into squares, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Before serving, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
Health Benefits of Zucchini Brownies
When it comes to indulging in delicious treats, brownies are often the best. However, traditional brownies tend to be high in sugar and unhealthy fats. But what if we told you that you could enjoy a delicious brownie while incorporating a nutritious vegetable into the mix? Yes, it is true! Zucchini brownies are the perfect combination of decadence and health.
In this recipe, zucchini, also known as zucchini, is the main ingredient. Although it may seem unusual to use a vegetable in a dessert, zucchini offers numerous health benefits without sacrificing flavor.
1. Increased nutritional content
Zucchini is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and manganese. By adding grated zucchini to your brownie batter, you not only add a natural sweetness to it, but also increase its nutritional value. Vitamin C is crucial for a healthy immune system, while vitamin A promotes good vision and skin health. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and manganese supports bone health.
2. Added fiber
Fiber is an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation. When you incorporate zucchini into your brownies, you’re adding a significant amount of fiber to the mix. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, keeping you fuller for longer and reducing the likelihood of energy slumps and food cravings.
3. Antioxidant power
The dark chocolate used in this recipe contributes to the overall antioxidant content in zucchini brownies. Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants called flavonoids, which protect the body from harmful free radicals. These antioxidants are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and improved brain function.
4. Lower fat content
By using unsalted butter instead of oil or margarine, this recipe helps reduce the overall fat content of the brownies. Unsaturated fats in butter are healthier than trans fats, which are usually found in processed desserts. Remember that moderation is the key to success, even when it comes to healthier fats.
Now you can enjoy a guilt-free treat with these delicious zucchini brownies. The combination of enjoyment and nutrition makes this unique recipe a win-win for your taste buds and your overall well-being.
