Indulge in a guilt-free dessert with these vegan zucchini brownies. They are moist, fudgy, and packed with the goodness of zucchini. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while sneaking in some veggies.
If you don't usually keep zucchini in your kitchen, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. Make sure to choose fresh, firm zucchinis. Additionally, you might need cocoa powder if it's not a staple in your pantry. Everything else should be easy to find in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Vegan Zucchini Brownies
Zucchini: Adds moisture and a subtle flavor to the brownies, making them extra fudgy.
All-purpose flour: The base ingredient that gives structure to the brownies.
Cocoa powder: Provides the rich, chocolatey flavor essential for brownies.
Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and balances the bitterness of the cocoa.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.
Baking soda: Helps the brownies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When grating the zucchini, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This will prevent the batter from becoming too wet and ensure that your brownies have the perfect texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
grated zucchini - Substitute with grated carrots: Grated carrots provide a similar moisture content and subtle sweetness, making them a good alternative in baked goods.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.
cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, offering a similar chocolatey flavor.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich flavor and can be used in a slightly reduced quantity.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can reduce the fat content while maintaining moisture in the brownies.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile to the brownies.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used if you increase the quantity to 1.5 teaspoons to achieve the same leavening effect.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
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How to Store or Freeze These Brownies
- Allow the zucchini brownies to cool completely at room temperature. This helps to prevent condensation and sogginess when stored.
- For short-term storage, place the brownies in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, transfer the brownies to the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Again, use an airtight container to maintain their moisture and texture.
- To freeze, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab a single serving.
- Place the wrapped brownies in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the brownies in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- For a quick thaw, you can microwave a frozen brownie for about 20-30 seconds. This will give you a warm, gooey treat in no time.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Vegan Zucchini Brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the brownies' original texture and moisture.
Microwave Method: Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if necessary. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the brownies rubbery.
Stovetop Method: Use a double boiler setup by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Place the brownies in the bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally until they are warmed through. This gentle method helps maintain the brownies' moisture and texture.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the brownies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method is quick and helps keep the brownies slightly crispy on the outside while warm inside.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the brownies.
Baking pan: Grease this to prevent the brownies from sticking.
Mixing bowl: Combine all the ingredients in this.
Grater: Use this to grate the zucchini.
Measuring cups: Measure out the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil.
Measuring spoons: Measure the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.
Spatula: Mix the ingredients until well combined and spread the batter evenly in the pan.
Toothpick: Check if the brownies are done by inserting this into the center.
Cooling rack: Let the brownies cool completely on this before cutting into squares.
How to Save Time on Making These Brownies
Grate zucchini in advance: Save time by grating the zucchini the night before and storing it in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ingredients using a food processor instead of mixing by hand.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before you start to streamline the process.
Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy cleanup.
Cool on a wire rack: Speed up cooling by transferring the brownies to a wire rack immediately after baking.
Vegan Zucchini Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated zucchini, flour, cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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