Date Sweetened Zucchini Brownies

By á-29897

Number of servings (yield): 16

Nutrition (per serving with all optional ingredients): 106 calories, 31 calories from fat, 3.7g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 103.6mg sodium, 129mg potassium, 18.4g carbohydrates, 2.6g fiber, 7g sugar, 2.4g protein.

Nutrition (per serving with walnuts and no frosting): 73 calories, 14 calories from fat, 1.6g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 97.5mg sodium, 126.9mg potassium, 14.8g carbohydrates, 2.2g fiber, 6.9g sugar, 1.9g protein.

Nutrition (per serving with no walnuts or frosting): 61 calories, 4 calories from fat, less than 1g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 97.4mg sodium, 118.9mg potassium, 14.6g carbohydrates, 2.1g fiber, 6.9g sugar, 1.6g protein.

Ingredients

• Optional Frosting:
• Ingredients
• 1/2 cup pitted and chopped medjool dates
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup vegan sugar, xylitol, stevia baking blend, or sweetener of choice (see note)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely shredded zucchini (about 1/2 medium zucchini shredded in food processor)
• 1/4 cup walnut pieces, optional
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons almond milk or other non-dairy milk
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter or other nut butter

Details

Servings 16
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 55mins

Preparation

Step 1

1.Place the dates in a small bowl and pour the hot water over them. Allow to soak until the dates are soft, about 1/2 hour.
2.Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or oiling lightly.
3.Put the dates and the soaking water in the blender with the applesauce and vanilla. Blend at high speed until completely smooth. Set aside.
4.Combine the flour, cocoa, sugar or substitute, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the zucchini and walnuts, if using. Add the blended date mixture and stir until all the flour is moistened. The batter will be thick. Spoon it into the prepared pan and smooth over the top.
5.Bake for about 25 minutes, or until brownies are no longer liquid in the middle and edges are firm but not drying out. Allow to cool.
6.You can eat them plain or add the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frosting:
7.Combine the chocolate chips, non-dairy milk, and nut butter in a small microwaveable bowl or the top of a double boiler. If microwaving, cook on high for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat microwaving and stirring for 10-second intervals, until frosting is smooth. In double boiler, cook and stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Frost brownies immediately. Allow to stand about 20 minutes to firm up. Enjoy!


Notes

These brownie are much less sweet than traditional brownies, but you can make them sweeter by adding a little stevia extract to taste. Or, if you don’t mind sugar, increase the sugar from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup.

Preparation time: 30 minute(s) | Cooking time: 25 minute(s)