Zucchini Brownies

If you have zucchini in your garden, then you likely have an abundance that you are trying to figure out how to use.  We planted our garden late this year, so I just picked our first zucchini about a week ago. 

 

One of my favorite recipes to make during the summer is Zucchini Brownies.  I loved when my mom made them when I was a kid.  I have used her recipe with a couple of small changes for years.  They are a great way to use up some of that zucchini that may be hanging around, and everyone loves these rich, cake-like brownies.

 

Before I dive into the recipe, I wanted to share my secret to baking with zucchini.  Most zucchini recipes call for shredded zucchini.  As much as I loved these brownies as a kid, I didn’t like finding the occasional string of zucchini.  Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.  Not very appetizing and I know some people refuse to eat baked goods that are made with zucchini for this reason.  Years ago, I decided to use my blender to chop them up.

 

 

I peel the zucchini, slice it, and throw it in the blender with the oil for the recipe.  Then I hit Puree.

  

I do this whenever I make brownies, muffins, or bread that has zucchini. Everything gets mixed up very well and you don’t have to worry about random strings or bits of zucchini.  On to the recipe!

 

Zucchini Brownies

2 cups zucchini (I use one regular sized zucchini)

1/2 cup oil

2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup cocoa

 

Puree zucchini, oil, and vanilla in blender.  Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.  I don’t use chopped nuts, but if you like them in your brownies, then add 1/2 cup to 1 cup.  Mix zucchini mixture into dry ingredients with a spatula until well blended.  Do not beat! 

 

 

Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  The brownies will be cake-like, so test them like you would a cake.  Allow brownies to cool for about 20 minutes or so before frosting.

 

Chocolate Frosting

6 Tbsp. cocoa

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp. margarine or shortening

1/4 cup milk

2 cups powdered sugar

dash of salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

 

Soften butter and margarine in microwave until it is very soft.  Combine all ingredients with a mixer until smooth. Frost brownies and enjoy! 

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