Low Fat Zucchini Brownies

Yup, I put zucchini in a batch of brownies. I also put mashed bananas and applesauce in it, too. Clearly these aren’t your run-of-the-mill brownies, but the good news is that they’re roughly 125 calories a square AND they satisfy your chocolate craving.

When I saw this brownie recipe online, I just had to try it. I was lured by the promise of a low-fat dessert that warranted seconds, or thirds, without judgement. So last night I took a stab at baking them and was happy to use my From the Tree Applesauce I made a few days ago.

You don’t taste the zucchini at all. It’s more like eating a piece of chocolate-banana cake. You give up the gooeyness for the savings in calories. So, no complaining!

My husband thought the recipe was pretty weird, but when I left a brownie by him to try, by the next time I looked over it was gone. I also brought half the tray of brownies to work, only to bring home an empty plate. All very good signs!

Low Fat Zucchini Brownies

Adapted from SparkRecipes.com

Ingredients

1/2 cup applesauce (I used my homemade From the Tree Applesauce)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1-1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup Hershey’s Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded green zucchini (peel first)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped almonds (optional)
Powdered sugar for presentation (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
Mix applesauce, bananas and sugar together.
Add vanilla, cocoa powder and cinnamon, mix well.
Mix in baking soda, salt and zucchini. Then stir in flour.
Fold in nuts and chocolate chips.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out mostly clean (don’t want them dry!).
Let cool for 10-20 minutes, then slice into squares. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a pretty plate.