look no further than these Frosted Zucchini Brownies. Perfectly fudgy and topped with a rich chocolate frosting, these brownies are bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to use up an abundance of zucchini or simply crave a sweet treat, these brownies are a delicious solution.
Why You’ll Love This
These Frosted Zucchini Brownies are a wonderful way to incorporate vegetables into your dessert. The grated zucchini adds moisture and texture, ensuring a tender and dense brownie that tastes just as chocolatey as any traditional recipe. Plus, the zucchini is virtually undetectable, making this a sneaky treat for picky eaters. You can even experiment by substituting some of the grated zucchini with grated carrots or beets for a different take, adding a slight natural sweetness and an extra nutrient boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of chopped nuts for additional crunch and nutrition.
Quick and Easy Preparation
With just a few simple steps and common kitchen ingredients, you can whip up these brownies in no time. The recipe requires minimal preparation and cleanup, making it ideal for both novice bakers and busy home cooks. If you’re short on time, consider grating the zucchini in advance and storing it in the fridge for up to a day. This advance prep can make the process even quicker on baking day. Additionally, using a food processor for grating can speed up the prep work significantly. To save even more time, measure out your dry ingredients the night before and store them in a sealed container until you’re ready to bake.
Deliciously Decadent
The combination of rich cocoa and chocolate chips in the brownie base, topped with a silky frosting, creates a luscious dessert experience. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter chocolate flavors, sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving. For an extra indulgent twist, you can add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor even more. Incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne can give the brownies a unique depth and warmth. If you want to add a bit of texture, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the frosting for a gourmet touch.
The Recipe
Frosted Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
– 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
– 1 1/2 cups (297 grams) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– 3/4 cup (63 grams) cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
– 2 cups (230 grams) grated zucchini (about one 8-10″ fresh zucchini)
– 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
– 1 cup (198 grams) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (21 grams) cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
– 1/2 cup (113 grams) whole milk
– 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil, allowing the foil to overhang as handles. Grease the foil lightly. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan for cutting.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir with a wooden spoon. Repeat this process until the butter is melted and the mixture looks pale yellow and grainy, resembling wet sand. This technique helps to dissolve the sugar partially, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is shiny and fully combined. Vanilla extract adds depth to the chocolate flavor, so don’t skip it.
- Fold in the flour, grated zucchini, and chocolate chips by hand just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling step is crucial for setting the brownies properly.
- While the brownies cool, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a hard boil and continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat, then add the butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the butter is melted and combined. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, then beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and thick. This beating helps the frosting achieve a creamy texture.
- Pour the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Allow the frosting to fully cool and harden before slicing into squares, as this will make for cleaner cuts.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make these brownies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools that you likely already have at home:
- 9-inch square baking dish: Essential for getting the perfect shape and size for your brownies.
- Aluminum foil: Helps with easy removal and cleanup. Consider using parchment paper as an alternative for a reusable option.
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting butter and sugar together. A glass or ceramic bowl works best to avoid uneven heating.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients without overworking the batter. If you don’t have one, a silicone spatula works as well.
- Medium saucepan: Required for making the frosting. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will ensure even heat distribution.
- Whisk: Useful for ensuring the frosting ingredients are well combined. A small hand mixer can also be used for this purpose.
- Toothpick: For testing the doneness of your brownies. An alternative is a cake tester, which is reusable.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Zucchini
Zucchini is the star of this recipe, providing moisture and a subtle texture without adding any noticeable flavor. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, making these brownies slightly more nutritious. If you’re looking for an even more nutrient-dense option, consider using organic zucchini. You can also use yellow squash as an alternative for a slightly different flavor profile.
Cocoa Powder
High-quality cocoa powder, especially Dutch process, adds a deep chocolate flavor to the brownies and frosting. Cocoa is also known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health. For a richer taste, try using a blend of Dutch process and natural cocoa powder.
Eggs
Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and contributing to the brownie’s rich texture. They also provide protein and important nutrients like vitamin D and choline. If you need a vegan version, try substituting each egg with a flax egg—mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite. It also plays a crucial role in achieving a smooth, luscious frosting. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil, which will also impart a slight tropical flavor note.
Chocolate Chips
Adding chocolate chips to the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and creates pockets of gooey, melted chocolate throughout the brownies. Consider using dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast. You could also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
What to Serve With This
A Scoop of Ice Cream
A classic pairing with brownies, a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Try coffee or salted caramel ice cream for a gourmet twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making a quick homemade ice cream with just a few ingredients.
Fresh Berries
Serve your brownies with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing, fruity counterpoint to the dense chocolate. A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the berries can add an elegant touch. You might also consider a drizzle of berry coulis for an added layer of flavor.
Whipped Cream
Light and airy whipped cream adds a layer of creaminess that pairs perfectly with the fudgy brownies. For a flavor variation, whip the cream with a hint of vanilla or almond extract. You can also add a little cocoa powder to the whipped cream for a chocolate twist.
For more dessert inspiration, check out our Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies post, which is another delightful treat that you can easily make at home.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Room Temperature
Store your Frosted Zucchini Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and moist. For best results, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. If you prefer softer brownies, you can add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.
Refrigeration
If you want to extend their shelf life, place the brownies in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture. Refrigeration also intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. To preserve their moisture, avoid thawing in the microwave.
Reheating
For a warm, gooey treat, reheat individual brownie squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will melt the chocolate chips slightly, recreating that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes for a more evenly heated result.
For additional tips on storing baked goods, visit our Cake Storage Guide to ensure all your treats stay delicious.
These Frosted Zucchini Brownies are not only a fantastic way to enjoy dessert with a hint of health, but they also offer a fun and creative way to utilize zucchini. Whether you serve them at a casual family dinner or bring them to a potluck, they’re sure to impress. For more brownie recipes and baking tips, check out Serious Eats for expert advice and inspiration. Happy baking!
Frosted Zucchini Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil, allowing the foil to overhang as handles. Grease the foil lightly.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir with a wooden spoon. Repeat this process until the butter is melted and the mixture looks pale yellow and grainy, resembling wet sand.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is shiny and fully combined.
- Fold in the flour, grated zucchini, and chocolate chips by hand just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature.
- While the brownies cool, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a hard boil and continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, then add the butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the butter is melted and combined. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, then beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and thick.
- Pour the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Allow the frosting to fully cool and harden before slicing into squares.