Zucchini Banana Brownies
Zucchini Banana Brownies – zucchini, bananas, and quinoa make these the perfect, better-for-you chocolate treat in the summer! These chocolate fudgy brownies will entice even the pickiest eaters.
Can you guess what makes these better-for-you brownies? Zucchini, banana, and yes, leftover quinoa, make deep dark chocolate fudgy brownies that will entice even the pickiest eaters.
Roadtrip
It took us three (3!) hours to drive to Sonoma. In the time it nearly takes to drive to Tahoe, we found ourselves crawling through the clogged highways snaking across the bay. Everyone, it seemed, was headed to wine country for the long holiday weekend.
I had packed a little cooler for the drive, just in case. You never know how traffic will go, and we’ve learned to never leave the house empty-handed, and ‘just in case’ came sooner than we expected. Hungry kids lead to whiny kids, and we did our best to assure them that we would get there soon enough.
“There” was a housewarming, and as soon as they stretched their legs and took big bites of some killer grilled cheese and gooey chocolate chip cookies, they were in the pool, splashing around. “Can we come to all their parties?” they asked. They were in heaven.
I chuckled inside. “Wasn’t it worth the ride?” I asked them.
Zucchini Banana Brownies
If there is one thing I have learned about kids, it’s that you’re going to hear a little whining before you hear the cheers. Especially when it requires a little effort…or the unknown.
“Brownies! You made brownies!?” They crowded around the pan as I set it to cool.
“Yup, and you’ll never guess the secret ingredients!”
I told them how these super fudgy brownies were actually full of zucchini, banana, and….quinoa.
And I could see them debating in their heads: to eat or not to eat? That is the question.
They ate.
Their eyes lit up.
“Can I have another?”
It was worth it.
Eat Seasonal
This is one of my favorite times of the year – the abundance of produce is just wonderful, and it shows in this month’s delicious Eat Seasonal roundup that is organized by Becky of Vintage Mixer. Join us and our friends as we share dishes that embrace eating seasonally! Check out the September seasonal food guide and these recipes for more #EatSeasonal inspiration.
Shredded Hoisin-Blackberry Chicken Tacos with Crunchy Slaw by Floating Kitchen
Raspberry Peach Hand Pies by Foodie Crush
Roasted Red Pepper and Sweet Potato Soup by Cafe Johnsonia
Pumpkin Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce by Climbing Grier Mountain
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash by Cookin’ Canuck
Classic Carrot Cake by Vintage Mixer
Easy Roasted Vegetable Spaghetti by Simple Bites
Peach and Arugula Pizza by Letty’s Kitchen
Thai Carrot Cucumber Noodle Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing by Flavor the Moments
Slow Cooker Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry by Well Plated
Creamy Tomatillo Ranch Dressing by Mountain Mama Cooks
Zucchini Banana Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso coffee optional but highly recommended
- 3/4 cup cooked quinoa
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini about 1 large zucchini
- 1 cup mashed bananas about 1 large banana
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- Prepare an 8×8″ baking pan by lightly spraying with baking spray or greasing with butter (I used coconut oil spray). Line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, brown and granulated sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder (if using).
- Stir in quinoa and chocolate chips.
- In a separate mixing bowl, mix the grated zucchini, mashed banana, egg, and vanilla until well blended.
- Mix the zucchini-banana and egg mixture into the flour and quinoa mixture until blended.
- Pour into prepared brownie pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until it begins to pull from the edges of the pan.
- Remove from oven, cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer the brownies with the parchment paper onto a wire rack to cool completely (or at least until it is just lukewarm). Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
Can you freeze these?
Great question, Maddi. I’ve never tried (they don’t last long enough). In general, freezing brownies can be done, but it could alter the consistency of the brownies. If you give it a try, please let me know how it turns out!
These look so delicious! What if I don’t have quinoa? Can I replace it with regular flour? maybe oats?
These look so tasty! I love making brownies with zucchini!
Thanks, Megan! It’s a great way to sneak in those veggies!
Thanks Megan! It’s hard to make them any other way now!
This is an amazing recipe, the brownies look so gooey, yum!
Thanks, Carolyn! Isn’t it so fun to have gooey brownies with less guilt?
So gooey and so tempting, right?? Thanks, Carolyn!
You made me grab a bite from the chocolate bar! The brownies look so good, I was seriously drooling. I got to make that.
These brownies look so fudgy! I’ll take half the pan, please!
BANANA! Yeah… I wouldn’t have guessed that! They look so rich and moist and gooey. Basically, exactly how a brownie should be.
I came across your recipe on Pinterest last night. Since I had everything on hand, I decided to give it a go, and I must say they are truly amazing! My husband and I are trying to eat healthier, so thanks for a great recipe. Eating healthy can be delicious!!
Chris, I’m so glad! Thank you for coming back to let me know – that means so much. Yes, healthy can definitely be delicious – I’m so happy you loved them!
Those look SO good!
I’m with Becky on the there is no bad (homemade) brownie–and when they’re hiding quinoa and zucchini–perfect!
There’s really no bad brownie in my book!! And I’m all over throwing in veggies in just about everything :) I’m sure these were amazing and the perfect travel treat! Hope you guys had a wonderful trip.
Just delicious! They look irresistible.
Could you please let me know the nutritional value of these brownies? They look incredible.
Hi Wendy! Thanks for asking! I’ve run the nutritional facts and posted it (you’ll find it right below the recipe). I hope that helps!
You’re so right — you can never tell how traffic will go. I always have a stash of food in the car for emergencies, because yes…whining kids make for a long drive. :) These brownies are so packed with goodness and they look so fudgy! I’m pinning these to try!
GAH!! These are the prettiest brownies. And I am jazz hands excited because I have zucchini in the fridge! #winning
These look so dark and luxurious! I would never have guessed they were full of so many good-for-you ingredients. Send me a dozen!