Nutrijoy

Zucchini Chocolate Dream Bites

These fudgy, delicious bites are surprisingly packed with shredded zucchini, making them moist, nutrient-dense, and secretly healthy! Perfect for a quick chocolate fix without the guilt.

Yields: 16-20 bites

Prep time: 15 minutes

Bake time: 20-25 minutes

Total time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or sugar-free chocolate chips)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup/honey, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine & Add Zucchini: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the finely grated zucchini (make sure you’ve squeezed out excess moisture by pressing it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels).
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid over-baking to keep them fudgy.
  8. Cool & Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cooled, cut into 16-20 square or rectangular bites.
  9. Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.