Name: Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9
Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup canola oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 3 medium), drained on paper towels first; 1 and 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips, divided

Zucchini, dark chocolate and whole wheat flour come together to make these Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies rich, delicious and pretty nutritious.

A white plate piled with dark chocolate zucchini brownies on a white marble counter next to several thin slices of zucchini.

Zucchini + Chocolate

I couldn’t let zucchini season pass by without paring it with a little chocolate. Okay, a lot of chocolate! Sure, chocolate is usually rich in itself, but zucchini adds an insane amount of moisture making the chocolate taste even more gooey and extra rich. These Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies are so decadent tasting and delicious and sneakily nutritious.

A stack of three zucchini brownies on a white marble counter. A glass of milk is in the background.

Hidden Nutrition!

I love sneaking a little nutrition into baked treats. My Healthier Double Chocolate Muffins are a must try! And I love baking with zucchini. From zucchini muffins to zucchini cake, the possibilities are delicious (and deceptively nutritious!)

These brownies have so many hidden levels of healthy that you would never know it unless you were the one baking them. You can barely taste the zucchini because of all the chocolate, but it adds so much moisture without having to add any additional fats. I also used whole wheat flour and dark chocolate to add even more nutritional powerhouses to the party. And that’s exactly what these brownies are…a party in your mouth!

A hand picking up a brownie off a light wood cutting board of brownies.

So take full advantage of zucchini while it’s still around and make these tasty brownies. They’re full of rich chocolate and loads of zucchini.

A white plate piled with dark chocolate zucchini brownies on a white marble counter.

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details. To learn more about specific baking ingredients and how they function in baking recipes, reference my Complete Guide to Baking Ingredients)

Ingredients:

Whole wheat flour: provides structure and fiber. Whole wheat flour adds a heartier texture and more nutritional value over all-purpose white flour. You can sub white whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: provides rich chocolate flavor and some bitterness to balance the sugar. Dutch-processed cocoa works, but it’s less acidic and may affect the overall rise slightly with just baking powder.
Granulated sugar: sweetens and also helps keep the brownies moist and tender. You can substitute with brown sugar, but they will have a chewier texture. Honey and maple syrup are other great substitutes for the sugar, but you would need to reduce the liquid (oil) a little.
Baking powder: helps the brownies rise a bit so they’re not too dense. The zucchini adds moisture that activates the baking powder rand baking soda.
Baking soda: leavening agent that gives the brownies an extra lift.
Kosher salt: enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. Use slightly less if using table salt (which is finer).
Canola oil: provides moisture and a soft texture with a neutral flavor that allows the rich chocolate to come through. Oil makes brownies more tender than melted butter.
Large egg: binds ingredients, adds structure and aids in rising.
Vanilla extract: deepens the chocolate flavor.
Fresh shredded zucchini: adds tons of moisture and makes the brownies fudgy without tasting like veggies.
Dark chocolate chips: adds melty goodness in every bite (as well as an anti-oxidant boost!).

Supplies:

Ingredients to make zucchini brownies in small glass dishes on a white marble counter.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 8-inch square baking dish and line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Make a well in the center and add the oil, egg and vanilla.

Steps to make Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies.

Stir until well combined. The batter will be very thick at this point.
Stir in the zucchini until well combined. Then stir in 1 cup of the dark chocolate chips until well incorporated.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

A square glass baking dish of brownies with chocolate chips baked on top.

Let cool for at least 30 minutes before lifting the parchment paper from the baking dish and cutting the brownies into squares.

Dark chocolate zucchini brownies on a parchment lined wooden cutting board.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste great cold, but are extra tasty after being heated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!

To freeze, let the brownies cool completely. Cut into squares, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temp or warm them for 20–30 seconds in the microwave.

Dark chocolate zucchini brownies on a light wood cutting board of brownies.

More of The Best Brownies and Bars

From chewy and fudgy to nutty, chunky, chocolatey, no-bake and flourless. My collection of the Best Brownies and Bars has something everyone will love!

Flourless fudge brownies, no-bake snack mix bars, monster cookie bars, no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars.

If you make my Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,