Whole Wheat Zucchini Brownies

My sister in law gave me a huge zucchini she grew in her garden. I really didn't know what to do with it savory-wise, so I ended up baking up a few things. One of the things I made were these "healthy" brownies, and it was a great decision! I've baked zucchini in a chocolate cake before and it was delicious, so I didn't hesitate any longer making this.

I first saw this on one of my friend's pins on pinterest. At first, I didn't give it a second look, I had pinned a few other zucchini recipes to try. When I was throwing out some ideas to the hubby, he wanted chocolate. Only one of the recipes I had included chocolate chips. I wasn't really feeling that recipe though, and neither was he.

Since this recipe was still front and center on my pinterest page, I decided to make this and it turned out great. When I told hubby it was "healthy", he didn't want to hear it! It does not taste healthy at all, and each square will cost you about 170 calories, which I don't think is bad at all. I love how hubby told me he liked the frosting, but he was actually talking about the gooey melted chocolate chips inside. Try this soon, you won't regret it!

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Whole Wheat Zucchini Brownies

made by cathy's kitchen journey
adapted from Baltic Maid




ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 2 large eggs
• 1 TBSP vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups grated zucchini (from 1 zucchini), excess water squeezed out (peeling optional)
• 1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Liberally spray an 8x8 baking pan with baking spray, or grease and flour the pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon and cardamom. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, salt, and applesauce.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while whisking to combine. It's ok if it's thick at this point, the zucchini will help moisten the batter.
5. Using a spatula, mix in the zucchini and chocolate chips until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
   
7. Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean (we don't want it totally clean and dry!).
8. Let cool in pan completely, then cut into 16 pieces.

Yield: 16 servings

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