These easy zucchini brownies are super fudgy and delicious! With just three ingredients, they’re a simple treat that’s great for any time of the day. Who knew healthy could taste this good?
I love how sneaky these brownies are! You get your veggies in while satisfying that chocolate craving. Just bake, cut, and enjoy a healthier dessert—you’ll be surprised by how tasty they are!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Shredded zucchini is the star ingredient here, adding moisture without overwhelming flavor. If you don’t have zucchini, you could try using finely grated carrot, though it will change the taste a bit.
Chocolate Cake Mix: A standard chocolate cake mix provides convenience and flavor. You can use a gluten-free cake mix if you need a gluten-free option. If you want to make your own, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. For a vegan option, you can substitute with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit until gel-like).
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Brownies?
The secret to perfect brownies lies in the mixing and baking. Here are some tips:
- Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from your shredded zucchini. This prevents your brownies from becoming too soggy.
- Mix the ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to denser brownies.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early. Didn’t see clean toothpick? That’s okay—it’s better to under-bake slightly, as brownies get firmer as they cool.
Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup chocolate cake mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes to enjoy these tasty brownies from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, chocolate cake mix, and the egg. Use a spatula or mixing spoon to stir everything together until it’s fully combined. The mixture will be thick and that’s just right!
3. Pour the Batter:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the pan to ensure every bite bakes well.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay), then they’re ready!
5. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This makes them easier to cut. After they’ve cooled, slice them into squares and get ready to enjoy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These brownies are delicious as they are, but you can also sprinkle some powdered sugar or top them with a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Note: To add some extra fun, feel free to mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. Enjoy your yummy zucchini brownies!
FAQ for Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using it in the recipe. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid soggy brownies.
How Can I Make These Brownies Vegan?
To make these brownies vegan, simply replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit until thick). This will help bind the ingredients together without using eggs!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Batter?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just remember not to overload it, as this could change the baking time or texture.
