Are you craving a decadent dessert that’s both vegetarian-friendly and irresistibly chocolatey? Look no further than this delightful Veg Chocolate Brownie Recipe.
Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, these brownies combine rich cocoa flavor with wholesome ingredients to create a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The best part?
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and a few sneaky vegetables to add moisture and nutrition without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at vegetarian desserts for the first time, these brownies will impress your family and friends. Plus, they’re perfect for those who want a healthier alternative to traditional brownies without sacrificing flavor.
Ready to bake? Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe that’s sure to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veg chocolate brownie recipe offers multiple benefits that make it a must-try:
- Moist and fudgy texture: Thanks to the addition of pureed vegetables like zucchini or beetroot, these brownies retain a perfect fudginess without needing extra butter or oil.
- Vegetarian and wholesome: Using plant-based ingredients keeps it healthy and suitable for vegetarians. It’s a guilt-free indulgence!
- Easy to customize: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- Simple pantry ingredients: No need to hunt for specialty items; you probably already have everything in your kitchen.
- Great for kids: Sneak in some veggies without them noticing, perfect for picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini or beetroot (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or any preferred)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Grater (for the zucchini or beetroot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Prepare the veggies: Grate the zucchini or beetroot finely. Place the grated vegetable in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Combine well.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and vegetable oil until blended. Add the vanilla extract and plant-based milk, mixing thoroughly.
- Incorporate grated veggies: Add the squeezed grated zucchini or beetroot to the wet mixture and stir well.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir using a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Add optional extras: Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips for added texture and richness.
- Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
“For softer, fudgier brownies, avoid overbaking and ensure you don’t squeeze out all the moisture from the grated vegetables.”
- Vegetable choice: Zucchini provides a neutral taste, while beetroot adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful reddish color.
- Sweetener swaps: Try maple syrup or agave nectar for a more natural sweetener, adjusting the liquid content slightly.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for gluten sensitivity.
- Nut-free: Skip nuts or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Extra chocolatey: Mix in cocoa nibs or swirl in some vegan chocolate ganache before baking.
- Spiced brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a warming twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 brownie) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 26 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 15 g |
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are perfect on their own or served with a variety of accompaniments to elevate your dessert experience:
- Top with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Drizzle with warm vegan caramel or chocolate sauce.
- Serve alongside fresh berries or a berry compote to add a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a creamy plant-based latte.
Conclusion
This veg chocolate brownie recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a rich, fudgy dessert while sneaking in some nutritious vegetables. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it accessible for bakers of all levels, and the delightful texture and flavor will satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lovers.
Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, these brownies are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other vegetarian and vegan delights like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try your hand at baking with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
For more flavorful plant-based dishes, check out Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
📖 Recipe Card: Veg Chocolate Brownie
Description: A rich and fudgy chocolate brownie made with wholesome plant-based ingredients. Perfectly moist and deliciously chocolaty, ideal for a vegan treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted coconut oil, brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, then stir in almond milk until smooth.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips and walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 28 g
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