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–+ servings
Zucchini Brownies from Sharon
Zucchini Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate dessert, offering a moist, rich texture with the hidden benefit of vegetables. This recipe cleverly incorporates grated zucchini to enhance moisture while remaining undetectable to taste. It uses brown sugar and chocolate chips for depth of flavor and balances it all with a traditional baking base. Originally handwritten and attributed to “Sharon,” these brownies are perfect for using up excess garden zucchini or simply for adding a healthy boost to your dessert table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 284 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup butter
  • 1 tbsp hot water
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup zucchini (grated )
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped, optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • In a saucepan, melt ⅓ cup butter with 1 tablespoon hot water and 1 cup brown sugar. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Stir in ¼ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking powder, and 1 cup flour until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Zucchini and Mix-ins

  • Fold in ¾ cup grated zucchini, ½ cup chocolate chips, and ½ cup chopped nuts if using.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased 8"x8" square pan. Bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean, about 30–35 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

  • Let cool before cutting into squares.

Tips

  • Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini for a firmer brownie texture
  • Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips depending on sweetness preference
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch
  • Double the recipe exactly as noted on the card for a 13×9 pan
  • Line the pan with parchment for easy removal
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic finish
  • Chill brownies before cutting for cleaner edges
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert upgrade

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 166mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1mg
Keyword brownies, chocolate dessert, comfort food, home baking, retro recipe, vintage baking, zucchini
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