Vegan zucchini brownies have been my secret weapon for satisfying that chocolate craving guilt-free. I remember the first time I tried a vegan zucchini dessert recipe, I was skeptical, but the rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor blew me away! These aren’t just any brownies; they’re packed with hidden veggies and taste incredibly decadent. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up these delicious vegan zucchini chocolate brownies. If you’ve ever wondered how to make vegan zucchini brownies that are both healthy and incredibly satisfying, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Zucchini Brownies
- Incredibly rich and fudgy chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Super quick prep time – you can have them ready for the oven in just 10 minutes!
- These healthy zucchini brownies vegan are packed with nutrients from zucchini and oats.
- They’re a budget-friendly treat, using common pantry staples.
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters who won’t even know the zucchini is there!
- You’ll find these to be the most easy vegan zucchini brownies you’ve ever made.
- Completely dairy-free and egg-free, making them suitable for many dietary needs.
- A delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert with a healthier twist.
Ingredients for the Best Vegan Zucchini Brownies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these amazing dairy-free zucchini brownies recipe. You’ll be surprised how simple it is to make these decadent treats, which are also fantastic egg-free zucchini brownies recipe options. For those who need them, using certified gluten-free oats makes these truly gluten-free vegan zucchini brownies.
- 1 ½ cups (135 g) rolled oats, ground into flour – I like to pulse mine in the food processor until they resemble coarse flour.
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sweetener – Coconut sugar or organic cane sugar work wonderfully here.
- ½ cup (90 g) dairy-free chocolate chips, plus more for the top – These are crucial for that rich chocolate flavor!
- ½ cup + 1 tbsp (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Use a good quality cocoa for the best chocolatey depth.
- 1 tsp baking powder – This helps give the brownies a little lift.
- ¼ tsp baking soda – Works with the cocoa powder for leavening.
- ⅓ tsp salt – Enhances all the sweet chocolate flavors.
- 1 tsp instant coffee powder (optional) – This really deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- 1 ¼ cups (200 g) shredded zucchini, tightly packed – Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture after shredding for the best texture.
- ½ cup (120 g) nut butter of choice – Almond or cashew butter are my favorites for a creamy texture.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) plant-based milk – Any unsweetened variety like almond, soy, or oat milk works.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that classic warm flavor.
How to Make Moist Vegan Zucchini Brownies
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a 6×9-inch (15x23cm) loaf pan ready by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This prep ensures your brownies won’t stick.
- Step 2: Shred your zucchini using either a box grater or the shredding disk on your food processor. You’ll need about 1 ¼ cups packed, so don’t be shy with the zucchini!
- Step 3: In a food processor, combine the ground oat flour, sweetener, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional instant coffee powder. Pulse a few times until everything is well mixed. If you don’t have a food processor, a large bowl and a whisk will do just fine.
- Step 4: Add the shredded zucchini, your chosen nut butter, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Pulse or whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter. It should look like a rich, chocolatey mixture, hinting at the deliciousness to come.
- Step 5: Gently fold in ½ cup of dairy-free chocolate chips. I love seeing these little pockets of chocolate disperse throughout the batter, promising melty goodness in every bite.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle the remaining dairy-free chocolate chips over the top. This step is key for that beautiful, tempting finish, reminiscent of a gorgeous chocolate zucchini cake vegan.
- Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes. For truly fudgy vegan zucchini brownies, aim for the lower end of the time, around 35 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
- Step 8: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is super important for achieving that perfect texture and making them easy to slice. Patience here will reward you with the most amazing vegan chocolate chip zucchini brownies!
Pro Tips for Fudgy Vegan Zucchini Brownies
Want to elevate your brownie game? These little tricks guarantee success every time you bake these delicious vegan treats:
- Always squeeze the shredded zucchini thoroughly; excess moisture is the enemy of fudgy brownies.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined – this keeps them tender.
- Cooling time is crucial! Resist the urge to cut into them while warm; let them set completely for that perfect texture.
- For an extra chocolatey kick, a pinch of espresso powder in the dry ingredients really enhances the cocoa flavor without tasting like coffee.
What’s the secret to perfect vegan zucchini brownies?
The real secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and proper preparation. Using finely ground oat flour and ensuring the zucchini is well-drained are key. These steps help create that wonderfully moist vegan zucchini brownies texture we all love. For more baking tips, check out our baking philosophy.
Can I make vegan zucchini brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies are fantastic for meal prep. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better as the flavors meld. For storage guidelines, please see our privacy policy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with vegan zucchini brownies?
A common pitfall is not draining the zucchini enough, leading to soggy brownies. Another is overbaking, which can dry them out. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick – it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Understanding ingredient ratios is also important, which you can learn more about on our terms of use page.
Best Ways to Serve Vegan Zucchini Brownies
These rich, fudgy brownies are delicious on their own, but I love them even more with a few simple additions. For a truly decadent experience, try serving a warm brownie with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold plant-based milk, making them a perfect snack or dessert. You can even elevate these plant-based zucchini brownies by topping them with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which add a lovely tart contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.
Nutrition Facts for Vegan Zucchini Brownies
Let’s look at the nutritional breakdown for these delicious vegan zucchini brownies. I always find it helpful to know what I’m working with, especially when enjoying a treat like this. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources like the MyFitnessPal database.
- Calories: 302
- Fat: 13.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Protein: 7.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.2 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Sugar: 25.8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Vegan Zucchini Brownies
Once your delicious vegan zucchini brownies have cooled completely, properly storing them is key to maintaining their fudgy texture. I like to let them cool in the pan for at least an hour before attempting to slice them. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, or if your kitchen is warm, the refrigerator is your best bet. They’ll stay perfectly moist and delicious in the fridge for 3-4 days. For even longer storage, these hidden vegetable vegan brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen brownie, simply unwrap it and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or gently reheat it. If you have questions about food safety, please refer to our affiliate disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Zucchini Brownies
What are vegan zucchini brownies?
Vegan zucchini brownies are a delicious dessert made without any animal products, using ingredients like zucchini, oats, cocoa powder, and plant-based milk. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional brownies, offering a rich chocolate flavor and a wonderfully fudgy texture thanks to the zucchini.
Why add zucchini to vegan brownies?
Adding zucchini to vegan brownies is a fantastic way to boost their moisture and create a tender, fudgy texture without needing eggs or oil. The zucchini blends seamlessly into the batter, adding hidden nutrients and making the brownies incredibly moist and decadent. For more on the benefits of plant-based eating, visit our homepage.
Can I use different types of zucchini in these brownies?
Yes, you can! While standard green zucchini is perfect, other varieties like yellow squash can also work. Just ensure they are fresh and properly shredded. The key is to squeeze out excess moisture, regardless of the type of zucchini used.
Are these brownies gluten-free if I use regular oats?
For these to be truly gluten-free, you must use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with wheat during processing. Always check the packaging to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Variations of Vegan Zucchini Brownies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative with these vegan zucchini brownies! They’re so versatile, and you can easily adapt them to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Low-Sugar Vegan Zucchini Brownies: If you’re looking for low-sugar vegan zucchini brownies, you can swap the granulated sweetener for a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or xylitol. Alternatively, for naturally sweetened zucchini brownies, try using mashed ripe bananas or date paste as your primary sweetener, adjusting the liquid content as needed.
- Add-Ins Galore: Boost the flavor and texture by folding in extra ingredients along with the chocolate chips. Think chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of dairy-free peanut butter or almond butter for an extra layer of richness.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different extracts! A hint of almond extract or even a touch of peppermint extract can completely change the flavor profile, making them feel like a brand new dessert.
- No-Bake Option: While these are baked, you could experiment with a no-bake version by processing everything together and chilling the mixture in the pan until firm, similar to a vegan fudge.
BEST Vegan Zucchini Brownies: Rich & Fudgy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Make ultra-gooey, fudgy vegan zucchini brownies with no eggs, flour, oil, or refined sugar. These brownies are super chocolatey, easy to make, and loved by kids and adults. They are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and flourless.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (135 g) rolled oats, ground into flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sweetener
- ½ cup (90 g) dairy-free chocolate chips, plus more for the top
- ½ cup + 1 tbsp (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ⅓ tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant coffee powder (optional)
- 1 ¼ cups (200 g) shredded zucchini, tightly packed
- ½ cup (120 g) nut butter of choice
- ¼ cup (60 ml) plant-based milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 6×9-inch (15x23cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Shred the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor shredding disk.
- Process the dry ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a food processor or a large bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients and pulse or whisk/stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and sprinkle with more chocolate chips.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. For fudgier brownies, bake for 35 minutes.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Sweetener options include coconut sugar, organic sugar, or sugar-free sweeteners like Erythritol.
- Nut butter can be replaced with seed butter for a nut-free version, or with oil if nut butter is unavailable.
- Store brownies covered in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them.
- Nutritional information is an estimate for one brownie.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 302
- Sugar: 25.8 g
- Fat: 13.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.2 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Protein: 7.2 g