Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies are made using unsalted butter, semisweet chocolate chips, eggs, granulated sugar, and zucchini. This decadent Zucchini Brownies recipe is a dessert that takes about 55 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.

Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies Ingredients

• 1/2 lb unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 16 oz semisweet chocolate chips, 2 1/2 cups by measuring cup, divided
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp light olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, measured correctly, or use gluten-free flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 cups shredded zucchini, do not drain (from 1 medium or 1/2 lb zucchini)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

1. Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
2. Melt chocolate and butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 2 cups of chocolate chips and the butter. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Remove from heat as soon as the mixture is smooth and glossy; let it cool for 15 minutes.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
4. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth.
5. Integrate dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Add zucchini: Fold in the shredded zucchini until it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Prepare the batter for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean; for firmer brownies, ensure the toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan to near room temperature. Then lift out using the parchment paper, cut into bars, and serve.

Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to mix more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother and more cohesive mixture.
• Properly Measure Flour: For the best texture, spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping it, which can compact the flour.
• Check Oven Calibration: An oven thermometer can verify your oven’s actual temperature if your brownies are consistently under or over-baked.
• Grate Zucchini Finely: Use the smallest holes on your grater for the zucchini to distribute moisture evenly and integrate seamlessly into the batter.
• Chocolate Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for richer flavor and smoother melting during the baking process.

What To Serve Zucchini Brownies

Serve your Zucchini Brownies with salted caramel ice cream, espresso whipped cream, raspberry coulis, pistachio crumble, and a drizzle of mint-infused simple syrup for a unique dessert experience.

You can also pair these brownies with a side of coconut gelato or rose petal jam for an unexpected twist.

How To Store Leftovers Zucchini Brownies

Refrigerate: Keep Zucchini Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days when stored properly, away from strong-smelling foods.

Freeze: Zucchini Brownies freeze well due to their moisture content. Wrap them individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

How To Reheat Leftovers Zucchini Brownies

In The Oven: Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover lightly with aluminum foil. Heat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain their moist texture.

In The Microwave: Heat brownies on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Check if warm enough; if not, heat in additional 5-second intervals.

In The Air Fryer: Reheat brownies at 300°F for about 4-5 minutes in the air fryer. This method can help crisp the edges while keeping the center gooey.

Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 159
• Total Fat 7.2g
• Saturated Fat 0.8g
• Cholesterol 16mg
• Sodium 186mg
• Potassium 118mg
• Total Carbohydrate 23g
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars 13g
• Protein 2g
• Vitamin A 2%
• Vitamin C 5%
• Calcium 1%
• Iron 5%

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know When the Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?

The brownies are perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating they are moist and chewy. Overbaking can dry them out, so watching the baking time closely is essential.

Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, instead of semisweet. Changing the chocolate type will alter the sweetness and flavor profile of the brownies, so choose based on your taste preference.

Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-ins to These Brownies?

Absolutely, you can add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the batter. Consider mixing in about a cup of your chosen add-ins to complement the zucchini and chocolate flavors without overwhelming the brownie’s texture.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake
• Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake
• Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars