Moist Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies Recipe

Scrumptious Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies Recipe to Try

Zucchini brownies burst with unexpected flavor, challenging everything you know about decadent desserts.

These sneaky chocolate squares pack a nutritional punch that transforms an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Grated vegetables melt into rich, fudgy batter, creating a moist masterpiece that’ll make taste buds dance.

Chocolate lovers and health enthusiasts unite over this clever culinary creation that proves indulgence can be smart.

Soft, intense, and surprisingly wholesome, these brownies redefine what a sweet treat can be.

Each bite tells a story of kitchen creativity and delicious rebellion against boring desserts.

Get ready to fall in love with a brownie that breaks all the rules and wins every heart.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes Inside Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

For Chocolate Base:
  • Chocolate Chips: Choose high-quality dark or semi-sweet chips for rich, intense flavor.
  • Butter: Select unsalted, room-temperature butter for smooth melting and consistent texture.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for tender, soft brownie crumb.
  • Cocoa Powder: Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper chocolate notes.
  • Baking Powder: Ensure fresh to guarantee proper rising and light texture.
  • Baking Soda: Check expiration date for maximum leavening power.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance chocolate's complexity.
For Wet Ingredients and Mix-Ins:
  • Eggs: Select large, fresh eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
  • Sugar: Granulated white sugar provides ideal sweetness and structure.
  • Oil: Neutral vegetable oil keeps brownies moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla for authentic, robust flavor.
  • Zucchini: Select fresh, firm zucchini and grate just before mixing for maximum moisture.

Helpful Equipment for Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

  • Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting chocolate and butter smoothly.
  • Small bowl: Great for whisking dry ingredients together.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients and creating the batter.
  • Whisk: Helps blend ingredients evenly and create a smooth mixture.
  • 9×13-inch metal baking pan: Ideal size for making a full batch of zucchini brownies.
  • Parchment paper: Makes lifting brownies out of the pan super easy.
  • Cooking spray: Ensures brownies won't stick to the pan.
  • Toothpick: Helps check if brownies are perfectly baked.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.

Making a Batch of Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

Making a Batch of Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies
  • Preheat and Prep Oven

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Grab a baking pan and spray it with cooking oil. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy removal.

  • Melt Chocolate Magic

Toss chocolate and butter into a saucepan. Melt everything slowly over low heat, stirring gently to avoid burning. Once smooth and glossy, take it off the heat and let it chill for a few minutes.

  • Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. Make sure everything is mixed evenly so your brownies turn out perfect.

  • Create Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Slowly pour in the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring until everything looks smooth and delicious.

  • Combine and Add Zucchini

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t go crazy mixing – just combine until everything looks incorporated. Softly stir in the shredded zucchini, making sure it’s spread throughout the batter.

  • Bake and Decorate

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for an extra yummy touch. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

  • Check and Cool

Peek into the oven and check if a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan until they’re almost at room temperature. Use the parchment paper to lift out the entire batch, slice into bars, and enjoy your chocolatey zucchini treat!

How to Add Your Own Spin to Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

How to Add Your Own Spin to Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

Bake up some delightful variations and pro tips to elevate your chocolate treat!

Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or add peanut butter chips for a flavor twist.

Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to introduce extra texture and rich flavor to your brownies.

Swap out some oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce calories while maintaining moisture. Try using whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for an extra decadent finish.

Plating Ideas for Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

  • Indulge with Elegant Plating: Arrange brownies on a sleek white ceramic plate, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the rich chocolate zucchini flavor.
  • Create Decadent Garnishes: Top each brownie with a few fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an extra gourmet touch that elevates the dessert.
  • Design Dessert Sharing Moments: Cut brownies into smaller bite-sized squares for a perfect party treat or afternoon tea gathering that encourages social sharing and conversation.

Planning and Storage Guide for Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies

  • Preserve Peak Freshness: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping them soft and delectable.
  • Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: When properly sealed, these zucchini brownies can last 7-10 days in the refrigerator, maintaining their moist texture and rich flavor.
  • Freeze for Later Indulgence: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for sudden chocolate cravings.
  • Revive Stored Brownies: Bring refrigerated or frozen brownies to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original gooey, decadent texture.
Print
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Moist Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies Recipe

Moist Pioneer Woman Zucchini Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Chocolate-packed zucchini brownies from the Pioneer Woman combine garden-fresh vegetables with rich cocoa. Moist, indulgent squares offer a clever way you can sneak extra nutrition into a classic dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300 grams) shredded zucchini
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (454 grams) semisweet chocolate chips, 2 ½ cups by measuring cup, divided
  • ½ lb (0.23 kg) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour, measured correctly, or use gluten-free flour
  • ⅓ cup (40 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsps light olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch metal baking pan by coating with butter and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Chocolate Base Creation: Melt chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth. Cool the mixture for 15 minutes, ensuring a glossy, integrated consistency.
  3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
  4. Wet Ingredient Transformation: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously blend eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until light and frothy. Gradually integrate the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring to create a seamless emulsion.
  5. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until just combined to preserve the brownie’s delicate texture. Delicately incorporate shredded zucchini, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  6. Pan Arrangement: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan, generously scattering remaining chocolate chips across the surface for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
  7. Baking Process: Position pan in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick – minimal residue indicates moist brownies, while a clean pick suggests a firmer texture.
  8. Cooling and Serving: Allow brownies to cool in the pan until nearly room temperature. Lift entire batch using parchment paper, slice into individual servings, and enjoy the rich, vegetable-infused chocolate treat.

Notes

  • Moisture Magic: Zucchini adds unexpected moisture without overpowering chocolate flavor, creating incredibly rich and tender brownies.
  • Mixing Matters: Stir batter gently to prevent tough brownies; overmixing can develop excess gluten and create dense, chewy texture.
  • Temperature Control: Cool melted chocolate mixture before adding to prevent accidentally cooking eggs and disrupting brownie consistency.
  • Parchment Paper Perfection: Using parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean cutting, preventing brownie breakage during serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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