Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies
Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes
Indulge in these moist and fudgy Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies, a delightful treat that combines the richness of peanut butter with the health benefits of zucchini.
These Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies are not only a delicious dessert but also a sneaky way to get some veggies into your diet! The combination of peanut butter and zucchini creates a moist, rich texture that everyone will love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
- Moist texture thanks to the hidden zucchini
- A healthier twist on traditional brownies
The Benefits of Adding Zucchini
Zucchini is not just a garden vegetable; it’s a nutritional powerhouse that can elevate your baking game. When grated and incorporated into brownies, zucchini adds moisture without overpowering the flavor. This means you can enjoy a rich, fudgy brownie while sneaking in an extra serving of vegetables. Plus, zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent addition for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
In addition to being low in calories, zucchini is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. These nutrients can contribute to overall health and well-being. By including zucchini in your brownies, you’re not only creating a delicious dessert but also boosting its nutritional profile, which is a win-win for you and your family.
Peanut Butter: A Creamy Delight
Peanut butter is a beloved ingredient that brings a delightful creaminess to baked goods. Its rich, nutty flavor complements the chocolate in these brownies beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that tempts the taste buds. Additionally, peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, making your brownies a more satisfying treat.
When choosing peanut butter for this recipe, opt for natural varieties that contain minimal additives. This ensures that you’re getting the purest flavor and the best texture, enhancing your brownies even further. Whether smooth or crunchy, peanut butter adds depth and richness, making each bite a truly indulgent experience.
Customizing Your Brownies
One of the best aspects of baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your preferences. For these Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies, consider adding your favorite mix-ins to enhance flavor and texture. Chocolate chips provide a melty, sweet surprise, while chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft brownie base.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nut butter or sweeteners as well. Almond butter can provide a unique twist, while maple syrup can add a subtle sweetness. The options are endless, allowing you to create a brownie that reflects your personal taste. Remember, baking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini before adding it to the mixture.
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the grated zucchini, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies!
Storage Tips
To keep your Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life by up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
For even longer storage, you can freeze these brownies. Cut them into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies as they are for a delightful treat, or elevate the experience by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast of warm brownies with cold ice cream creates a decadent dessert that everyone will love.
For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or a peanut butter sauce over the brownies before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds an additional layer of flavor that complements the existing ingredients beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
→ How should I store the brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan version.
Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies
Indulge in these moist and fudgy Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies, a delightful treat that combines the richness of peanut butter with the health benefits of zucchini.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Home-Style Dessert Bakes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the grated zucchini, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g