Zucchini Brownies (Vegan)

Veggie_Girl's Note:

Another way to use the produce of my over-productive zucchini plant in the garden! Sneaking vegetables and fruit into a brownie is also a plus!

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 24 bars

• ½ cup applesauce
• 1 cup raw sugar
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose whole wheat flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup semisweet vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, sugar, syrup and vanilla.
3. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt - stir into wet ingredients (it will look pretty dry at this point - don't worry, it moistens up with the zucchini. However, if necessary, add a little more applesauce).
4. Stir in zucchini - if batter is still too dry, add a couple tbs of applesauce.
5. Add any optional ingredients (walnuts, chocolate chips).
6. Spread into baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched.

Reviews

[yogiclarebear]

I'm sorry this just didn't work for me. It was incredibly dry. Maybe my zucchini wasn't moist enough. I added tons of applesauce and ended up adding some oil to try to salvage it.

[Chef #1180495]

This is a fantastic recipe! I have zucchini coming out of my ears and it is a great way to use it up in a healthy way (and also satisfies my sweet tooth!). I am also doing Weight Watchers and this comes out to only 2 points per serving. Way to go!

[pahealthymom]

Thank you Veggiegirl!!! I think that you may have saved me from myself. I have a bit of a junk food addiction, and I am trying desparately to lose weight...this recipe helps with both. I did sub splenda for the sugar, I know that it's usually a no-no, but I am trying to save calories in any way possible, and I did not add the nuts or chocolate chips (though I think it would be fantastic in these). Other than that, I followed the recipe exactly and they are fabulous. Very moist, chocolaty and sweet. The recipe is really easy to follow and without the sugar, almost totally guilt free. I might acctually be able to stay on my diet with recipes like this. Thank you again so much for sharing this recipe, it's definately a keeper.