If you love brownies and want to make them healthier, try these zucchini brownies! With just three ingredients, they’re super simple and tasty. You won’t even notice the zucchini!
I like to enjoy these brownies warm, maybe with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, they disappear fast—who knew veggies could be this yummy? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This veggie is a fantastic secret ingredient that adds moistness and nutrients. Choose medium-sized zucchini, as they’re tender. If you don’t have zucchini, you could try using applesauce or mashed bananas for a different twist.
Chocolate Cake Mix: Any chocolate cake mix works well here and keeps it simple. For a healthier option, go for a chocolate protein cake mix. You can even experiment with different flavors like spice cake mix, which gives an interesting kick!
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together. If you need a vegan option, use flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes). This works great to give a similar texture.
How Do I Prepare Zucchini for These Brownies?
Getting your zucchini ready is key to a great brownie texture. First, wash and peel the zucchini if you prefer a smoother texture (the skin is fine if you don’t mind a slight green hue!).
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- After shredding, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Twist and squeeze out as much water as you can. This helps prevent your brownies from getting mushy.
Once prepared, simply fold the shredded zucchini into the brownie batter, and you’re all set to create deliciously moist brownies!
Easy 3 Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup shredded and drained)
- 1 box (about 18 oz) chocolate cake mix (any brand, regular or gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 25-30 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you can make these delicious brownies in about 40 minutes, plus a little more time for cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later, or lightly grease the pan with some non-stick spray or butter.
2. Shred and Drain the Zucchini:
Now, wash your zucchini thoroughly. Use a box grater to shred it until you have about one cup. To prevent your brownies from being too wet, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is super important for the best brownie texture!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and the two eggs. Stir the mixture until everything is smoothly blended together. This is a quick and simple step, and you don’t want to over-mix!
4. Fold in the Zucchini:
Gently fold the drained, shredded zucchini into the batter until it’s evenly mixed in. You want to make sure the zucchini is well distributed throughout the batter, giving your brownies a delightful moisture boost.
5. Bake:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few gooey crumbs are okay), it’s time to take them out!
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them set properly. Once cool, slice them into squares and enjoy! You can serve them warm or at room temperature. For something extra special, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Enjoy your moist, chocolaty zucchini brownies that sneak in some veggies in the most delicious way!
FAQ: Easy 3 Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Can I Use Other Types of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix gives a rich flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or spice cake mix. Just remember that the overall taste and texture may change slightly!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Make These Brownies Vegan?
Yes! To make these brownies vegan, substitute the two eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This works great as a binding agent!
What’s the Best Way to Thaw Frozen Brownies?
To thaw frozen brownies, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through. Enjoy!
