These easy zucchini brownies are a tasty surprise! With just three ingredients, you can whip up these fudgy treats quickly. Who would have thought zucchini could be so delicious?
I love how simple these brownies are to make. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! They are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, and they sneak in some veggies too! 🥒🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: You need about one medium-sized zucchini, grated. It adds moisture to the brownies. If zucchini isn’t available, you could use grated carrots or applesauce, but keep in mind the flavor will slightly change.
Chocolate Cake Mix: A standard chocolate cake mix works best, particularly fudge or devil’s food varieties for that rich taste. If you want a healthier twist, try a gluten-free cake mix, or make your own using cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Eggs: The eggs help bind everything together. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
How Can I Make the Best Zucchini Brownies?
The most important step is to properly prep your zucchini. Make sure to grate it and squeeze out the excess moisture. This helps prevent the brownies from being too wet. Here’s how:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, then twist and squeeze to remove the excess liquid.
Also, don’t skip lining the baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal after baking, giving you cleanly cut brownies. Let the brownies cool fully before cutting; this step makes them firmer and easier to slice. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small to medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 box (about 18-19 ounces) chocolate cake mix (preferably fudgy or devil’s food chocolate)
- 2 large eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need 25-30 minutes for baking. After that, there’s a cooling time before cutting them into squares. Total time is approximately 45-50 minutes, but trust me, it’s worth every minute for these delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light grease with cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the brownies later!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, the grated zucchini, and the eggs. With a spoon or spatula, stir everything together until well mixed. Don’t worry if the batter is thick and moist—that’s how it should be!
3. Pour and Spread:
Take the thick brownie batter and pour it into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the pan. This will ensure that every brownie bakes evenly.
4. Bake Your Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are totally fine!). Just be careful not to overbake them, or you’ll lose that fudgy texture!
5. Cool and Cut:
Once they’re baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This will help them set up nicely so they don’t crumble when you cut them. After cooling, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Now that they’re all cut up, it’s time to dig in! These zucchini brownies make a delightful treat, offering a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and hidden veggies. Enjoy your delicious creation!
These brownies are wonderful as a snack or dessert, and they’re a sneaky way to add some veggies into your treats. Enjoy baking!
FAQ: Easy 3-Ingredient Zucchini Brownies
Can I Substitute Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini, you can use grated carrots or you can try applesauce as a substitute for moisture. For the cake mix, feel free to use a gluten-free mix or even a homemade blend of flour and cocoa powder!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Brownies Vegan?
Yes! To make these brownies vegan, replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Just mix it well and let it sit for a few minutes before using.
What Are Some Variations I Can Try?
You can enhance these brownies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Consider mixing in a tablespoon of vanilla extract for a richer taste!
