Name: Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Cuisine: American

Project Meal Plan Verified

March 5, 2026

Rich, fudgy chocolate squares infused with bold espresso flavor and packed with freshly blended zucchini for extra moisture! These decadent brownies deliver deep mocha goodness in every bite, with a soft, gooey center and an irresistibly chocolatey finish. You’d never guess there’s a veggie tucked inside, but it keeps each bite tender and perfectly indulgent.

Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Brownies cover

From the Cook

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Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Brownies

Project Meal Plan Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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For the brownies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and non-stick cooking spray.

To a food processor, add zucchini, butter, eggs and vanilla. Blend on high until smooth. Use a spatula to push the mixture on the sides of the bowl down to ensure everything is well mixed.

Add sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, salt, and flour carefully to the food processor bowl. Mix until just blended and push the sides down again if necessary. Add chocolate chips and use a spatula to mix for a few seconds.

Pour the mixture from the food processor bowl into the prepared pan. Place in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The center will look slightly fudgey, but a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. Cool on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes before applying the ganache frosting.

For the frosting

In a small bowl, add chocolate chips and milk. Microwave in 15 second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted and begins to combine with the milk.

Add the espresso powder and stir until completely melted and smooth.

When the brownies are cool, pour the frosting on the center of the brownies and use a spatula to spread over the entire surface of the brownies. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting and serving. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up for 4 days.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Squeeze Your Zucchini Dry 🥒
Grate your zucchini and squeeze it firmly in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy brownies and ensuring fudgy texture instead of cake-like consistency.
Bloom Your Espresso Powder ☕
Mix espresso powder with a small amount of hot water before adding to the batter to intensify and distribute the coffee flavor evenly throughout every bite.
Don't Overmix After Adding Flour 🧈
Fold in your flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder gently with a spatula rather than stirring vigorously to maintain the fudgy, dense texture and avoid overdeveloping gluten.
Test for Gooey Centers 🍫
Remove brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean—for that signature fudgy interior.
Cool Completely Before Cutting ❄️
Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for cleaner, more uniform cuts and better structural integrity.

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About the Cook

Project Meal Plan

Hi, I’m Danielle! My passion for meal planning came from a desire to save money and reduce food waste, and I want to share it with you! Besides cooking and photography, I absolutely love my cats & chicken (yes, just one!), growing food in my yard, and hot sandwiches!