Best Chocolate Zucchini Brownies (Vegan)

If you love chocolate, then try our Best Chocolate Zucchini Brownies! They are vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, and loaded with fiber. These decadent brownies are made with pantry ingredients, along with unsweetened cocoa, mini chocolate chips, and zucchini. Best of all, these chocolate brownies turn out FABULOUS every time, and have the best melt-in-your-mouth texture ever!

 

Chocolate Zucchini Brownies…

These Chocolate Zucchini Brownies are so good that everyone will go nuts over them. Loaded with chocolate flavor, these are super moist and decadent!

Plus, the zucchini is completely hidden! No one will ever notice it’s made with 2 cups of packed minced zucchini. So don’t tell them. …Why spoil the surprise?

Let’s give them something that’s not only made with good wholesome ingredients, but that is good for them too.

Plus, if you are looking for more healthy treats, don’t miss our Lemon Zucchini Poppy Seed Muffins, and No-Bake Carrot Cake Bites. For more chocolate zucchini recipes, be sure to try our Death by Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread, and Mint Chocolate Chip Zucchini Brownies.

Why use zucchini in brownies?

Zucchini is a great way to add moisture and nutrients to baked goods, especially these brownies.  Serve these “healthier” brownies as a snack or as dessert. Pop them into your kid’s lunch boxes as a special treat. These chocolate zucchini brownies are the BEST! Everyone will love them – you’ll see…

What makes these the BEST Chocolate Zucchini Brownies?

• Super moist and melt-in-your-mouth with every bite.
• Loaded with nutrients.
• Plus, these are loaded with zucchini, containing 2 cups.
• No one will ever notice the zucchini in them.
• They are vegan, nut-free, and dairy-free.
• Amazingly loaded and delightful with decadent chocolate flavor!

Recipe Tips

• MEASURE EXACTLY: Do not add more or less than 2 cups of minced zucchini, or they will not turn out well.
• ALLOW THE BATTER TO REST: The mixture for these brownies will first appear to be very dry. But once you stir in the zucchini, let it rest for 5 minutes. Then allow the zucchini “to work its magic,” giving enough moisture to stir the mixture.
• USE A SPATULA TO SPREAD: It is best to use the back of a wooden spoon or spatula to help spread the batter evenly in the baking pan.
• DO NOT OVER BAKE: When you smell the “chocolate aroma” from the oven, that is an indication that the brownies are almost ready. Check on them. You can lightly press down in the center to see if it springs back – then it’s ready!
• COOL BEFORE CUTTING: Allow the sheet pan to cool completely before cutting it into smaller squares- like brownies. If the brownies are too warm, they will fall apart, and you will have a mess.

What Do We Need?

For this recipe, you will need one mixing bowl, a large wooden spoon to stir the mixture, and a spatula to spread the mixture in your baking pan. Also, we used our favorite Farberware Non-Stick Baking Pan to bake them.

Plus, Ingredients You Will Need: (with affiliate links)

• fresh zucchini (about 2 medium or 3 small ones) – minced or shredded.
• unbleached all-purpose flour or (Caputo “O” Chef’s Flour)
• coconut sugar – or you can use light brown sugar in its place.
• granulated sugar – you will need some sugar, only 1/2 cup.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil – choose either one for this recipe.
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• pure vanilla extract
• baking soda
• salt
• ground cinnamon
• mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• powdered sugar, as garnish

How To Buy & Choose the Zucchini?

When shopping for fresh zucchini at the market, keep these tips in mind:

1. Size: We prefer medium-sized and even small-sized zucchini for this recipe. These are often more flavorful and tender compared to the larger ones.
2. The Color: Look for bright or dark green zucchini and skins without blemishes.
3. Its Weight: The zucchini should feel light in weight, rather than heavy. If they feel heavy, usually that means they will contain more seeds, and you don’t want those.
4. And, Firmness: When fresh, they are nice and firm to the touch. Never buy them if they are soft and flimsy.

Helpful Tip! Peak season for zucchini is typically during early to late summer. But you will find them all year long. And, you’ll want to use them within a few days after purchase.

Let’s Make Them!

How To Make the Best Chocolate Zucchini Brownies?

Before you start. First, gather all the ingredients needed for this recipe. Then you can easily follow our 4-Easy-Steps to making this brownie recipe. (*Our full recipe card and VIDEO are also located below!) But first, let’s run through the steps so you can see what’s involved before you start.

1. First: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180C). Spray your 13 x 9 (or 12 x 9) baking pan with cooking spray, and dust with flour on all 4 sides. Or use parchment paper for easy clean-up.

2. Next: Mince or shred the zucchini and measure ONLY 2 cups packed! Place the minced zucchini into a small bowl, and set it aside.

3. Measure the first 8 ingredients, and stir them to combine. Stir in the flour until it is completely combined with the cocoa. Then add the zucchini, and stir until well combined (the mixture will be very thick and dry). Now, set the bowl aside, and WAIT at least 5 minutes! …Allow the zucchini to do “its magic!“ (The zucchini will give enough moisture to stir the batter).

4. After 5 Minutes: Add the “mini” chocolate chips and stir the mixture again until well combined. The mixture will be soft and moist at this point.

5. Transfer the brownie batter to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to transfer to your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly on the bottom of the pan. Take your time smoothing and spreading it. The batter will feel thick, so take your time.

QUICK NOTE: The batter will seem to be very thick. And the appearance will be speckled with bits of green and yellow zucchini. Plus, the batter will give a very “thin layer” when it’s transferred to the pan before it bakes,…and that’s OK. (see my notes below)

WATCH VIDEO: How to make these Best Chocolate Zucchini Brownies? (1-minute!)

More Healthier Treats You’ll Love!

• No-Bake Carrot Cake Bites
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding
• No-Bake Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
• Silky Chocolate Cream Pie (No-Bake & Dairy-Free)
• Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins
• Blueberry Lemon Oat Muffins

Your comments help us!  If you make these brownies, let us know and leave a comment with a 5-star rating! Your insights and experiences will help our readers and us, too! For more delicious recipes, follow us on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, & FACEBOOK.

Happy and Healthy Baking!   🙂

Thanks for stopping by… xo anna and liz