Zucchini Brownies: The Perfect Way to Use Up Garden Zucchini

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a countertop overflowing with garden zucchini and wondered what on earth to do with it all, you’re not alone! Every summer, gardeners everywhere face the same delicious dilemma. And while you can sauté it, spiralize it, or bake it into bread, my all-time favorite way to use zucchini is in these rich, zucchini brownies.

You might be thinking, “Zucchini… in brownies?” Trust me, you won’t even taste it! The zucchini adds incredible moisture and tenderness, creating a perfectly soft, chocolatey texture that rivals any boxed brownie mix (and tastes way better). Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get a little extra veggie goodness into your dessert.

These homemade zucchini brownies come together with simple pantry staples, no fancy equipment required, and bake up beautifully in under an hour.

If you love these rich Zucchini Brownies, you’ll want to try some of my other homemade favorites next! My Fresh Milled Zucchini Bread is another great way to use up those garden veggies, and my Sourdough Banana Bread is a reader favorite that’s always moist and full of flavor. For a comforting dinner, don’t miss my Rabbit Pot Pie or my hearty Venison Stew, both classic homestead meals perfect for cooler weather. And if you’re craving something a little sweet with your morning coffee, my Blueberry Tea Cake and Apple Oatmeal Cookies are simple, cozy bakes you’ll come back to again and again.

Scroll down for the recipe card, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions (with photos). 

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Zucchini Brownie Recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Brownies

• They’re ultra-moist and fudgy. The shredded zucchini keeps the brownies from drying out, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
• They’re easy to make. No need for mixers or special ingredients — just whisk, mix, pour, and bake.
• They’re freezer-friendly. You can make a batch and freeze individual squares for a quick treat later.

Whether you’re baking for a summer cookout, a potluck, or just a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, these brownies are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. My family loves them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into the best zucchini brownie recipe:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your brownies. You can substitute half whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the brownies rise just a bit for a soft, cake-like crumb.
• ½ teaspoon mineral salt (I like Redmond’s) – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a subtle warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder – The heart of the chocolate flavor! Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa for the richest taste.

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• 1 ¾ cups sugar – Sweetens and gives the brownies that classic flavor.
• 1 cup butter – You can use salted or unsalted. Melted butter makes for extra fudgy brownies.
• ½ cup milk – Keeps the batter smooth and easy to spread.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because everything is better with vanilla.
• 2 cups grated zucchini – The secret ingredient! Be sure to use freshly grated zucchini (no need to peel it).

Optional Toppings

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are perfect)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, mineral salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. This helps distribute everything evenly so you don’t end up with clumps of cocoa or baking soda.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini

Stir in the grated zucchini. It might look a little strange at first, but trust the process! It’s what gives the brownies their incredible texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this keeps the brownies tender and soft.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the top!

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking around the 40-minute mark.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. This helps them set up perfectly and keeps the texture rich and moist.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Brownies

• Don’t squeeze the zucchini. Some recipes call for squeezing out the excess moisture, but for brownies, you want that moisture!
• Use freshly grated zucchini. Pre-shredded or frozen zucchini won’t have the same texture or water content.
• Add mix-ins for variety. Try dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
• Store properly. Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Why Zucchini Works So Well in Baking

Zucchini is one of those vegetables that completely disappears into baked goods. Its high water content adds natural moisture, which keeps treats like brownies, cakes, and muffins from drying out. It also blends beautifully with chocolate, once baked, you’d never know it was there.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up extra zucchini from your garden during harvest season. Instead of letting those baseball-sized zucchinis go to waste, grate them up and bake a few batches of brownies to share with friends or freeze for later.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm zucchini brownie is next-level delicious.
• With a drizzle of chocolate syrup: Because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.
• For breakfast (I won’t judge!): Pair a small square with coffee or tea for a sweet morning treat.
• Topped with whipped cream and berries: Adds a light, summery touch.

Why You’ll Come Back to This Recipe Again and Again

These zucchini brownies are easy, delicious, family-friendly, and foolproof. They use simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, making them perfect for last-minute baking. Plus, they’re a fun way to introduce vegetables in a dessert everyone will love.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it every summer when zucchini season hits. It’s a go-to in my kitchen, especially when I’m looking for something sweet but not overly heavy.

FAQ: Zucchini Brownies

Can you taste the zucchini in zucchini brownies?

Not at all! The zucchini completely blends into the batter, adding moisture without flavor. These taste just like rich, traditional chocolate brownies.

Should I peel the zucchini before grating it?

Nope! The skin is soft and nutritious. Once baked, you won’t notice it at all.

Do I need to squeeze the water out of the zucchini?

For this recipe, no. The extra moisture helps create that perfectly fudgy texture.

How should I store zucchini brownies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I add frosting?

Absolutely! A thin layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting takes these brownies to another level.

Comment, Share, & Pin!

Zucchini brownies are one of those recipes that make you fall in love with baking all over again. They’re simple, satisfying, and full of wholesome ingredients that make dessert feel just a little bit better for you. Whether you’re swimming in garden zucchini like I am or just craving a rich, chocolatey treat, this is the recipe you’ll reach for time and time again.

So grab your grater, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a pan of the best homemade zucchini brownies you’ll ever make. You deserve it! 💚