Dessert

Zucchini Brownies Recipe

Name: Zucchini Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups shredded zucchini; cocoa powder; unsalted butter; powdered sugar; milk; vanilla extract

ByElla Hart August 22, 2025August 22, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a decadent chocolate dessert that’s somehow both rich and sneakily wholesome, Zucchini Brownies will totally capture your heart. These brownies pair the deep, fudgy temptation of chocolate with the magical moistness of fresh zucchini, all without ever giving away their veggie secret. They’re crowd-pleasers for bake sales, potlucks, or simply your own late-night cravings, and the way the zucchini melts seamlessly into the batter is nothing short of a kitchen miracle. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for something new or just craving a sweet treat that feels a little less guilty, Zucchini Brownies might just become your new obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward, but each item here has a purpose. From the richness of cocoa powder to the fresh zing of shredded zucchini, everything works together for a glorious brownie experience. Here’s what you’ll gather (and why):

All-purpose flour: Provides structure, holding the brownies together with the perfect crumb.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is what delivers deep chocolate flavor—don’t skimp on quality here.
Baking soda: Helps the brownies rise just enough without getting cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavors.
Vegetable oil: Keeps these Zucchini Brownies fabulously moist, even on day two or three!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and gives that irresistible brownie crust.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the cocoa flavors with fragrant warmth.
Shredded zucchini: The star ingredient, adding moisture and a secret serving of veggies.
Frosting ingredients (cocoa powder, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla): To whip up a thick, chocolatey layer that turns these brownies into something irresistible.

How to Make Zucchini Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking pan with foil and give it a generous spray of cooking oil—this makes removing (and cleaning up) so much easier later. A well-prepped pan will give you perfectly shaped Zucchini Brownies with no sticky mess.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step not only combines everything thoroughly but also helps prevent little lumps of cocoa or baking soda, so your brownies bake evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. This base is what gives Zucchini Brownies their signature rich taste and tender chew.

Step 4: Combine and Add Zucchini

Fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, gently blending until just combined. Then add in the shredded zucchini—it will seem like a lot, but it practically disappears into the batter and brings unbeatable moisture. If your batter seems too thick, a couple tablespoons of water will loosen things up perfectly.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the finished batter into your prepped pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 25–30 minutes. When a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’re all set. Be careful not to overbake—you want that fudgy brownie center!

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let your Zucchini Brownies cool completely in the pan. While they cool, whip together your favorite chocolate frosting using cocoa powder, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Once the brownies are cool, slather on that lush frosting and prepare for smiles all around.

How to Serve Zucchini Brownies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glossy frosting takes these Zucchini Brownies from homemade to bake shop worthy. For a special touch, add fresh berries or edible flowers before serving.

Side Dishes

Pairing these brownies with a cold glass of milk is classic, but they also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence. For summertime gatherings, try serving them with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance that rich chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Zucchini Brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters, or layer them into parfait glasses with layers of whipped cream and berries for a trifle-inspired treat. They also make charming edible gifts when packaged in a box with parchment paper and ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Zucchini Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The zucchini keeps them wonderfully moist, so they won’t dry out quickly—but they’re so delicious, they rarely last that long anyway!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these brownies for later cravings! Just slice and separate layers with parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

If you love melty frosting and gooey chocolate, pop a brownie square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Just enough to bring back that “fresh-from-the-oven” richness!

FAQs

Can I taste the zucchini in Zucchini Brownies?

Nope! The zucchini melts seamlessly into the batter and only lends moisture and softness—no veggie flavor or texture at all. It’s truly a chocoholic’s sneaky secret.

Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding?

There’s no need to peel! The skin is thin, barely noticeable, and adds a pop of color, not to mention extra fiber.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. Just be sure to check your baking soda and cocoa powder as well to confirm they’re gluten-free.

What kind of chocolate frosting works best?

Any classic chocolate buttercream is divine, but a ganache-style frosting creates a more intense, glossy finish. You can even use store-bought in a pinch!

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, yes, yes! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chunks add lovely texture. Just gently fold them in before baking for a personalized Zucchini Brownies twist.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch of these lush, secretly veggie-filled Zucchini Brownies. Every bite is ultra moist, deeply chocolatey, and sure to have friends and family asking for the recipe—even after you spill the zucchini secret. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love with this unique, crowd-pleasing treat!