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August 15, 2019

by Alyssa

Zucchini & Chocolate Chip Flourless Protein Brownies

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These flourless protein brownies are fudgy, decadent and healthy. They're naturally gluten-free as well as vegan, no refined sugar and packed with zucchini!

Healthy Flourless Protein Brownies

One of my guilty pleasures used to be under baked boxed brownies. I loved how gooey they were, how sugary they were and how decadent they tasted.

I've since learned what's inside those mixes and honestly, not something I'd want to eat. Preservatives, refined flour, tons of sugar. Basically nothing healthy.

But that doesn't mean we still can't enjoy a decadently fudgy brownie from time to time. That's exactly why you need these Flourless Protein Brownies – they're everything you love about boxed brownies just without the crap!

How to make Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients for these Flourless Protein Brownies

Making flourless brownies at home is actually pretty simple. We're using a base of banana, cashew butter and a flax egg which gives us fat, moisture, binding powder, and some sweetness. Then we added in some coconut sugar which is lower on the glycemic index than cane sugar, as well as raw cacao powder. That's our base.

When I first made this recipe, I left it at that. But the first batch came out a little too gooey for me. So I went back to the drawing board and the next time I added some protein powder.

That was just what it needed! The protein powder helped absorb a little bit more moisture and the texture was just what I wanted. Plus we get a little extra protein in there which is never a bad thing in my opinion!

Zucchini Protein Brownies

Why Add Zucchini to Brownies?

Okay so we have our basic flourless protein brownie, but I figured why not kick it up a notch!?

Instead of just keeping them plain, we're also adding in some shredded zucchini and chocolate chips. The chocolate chips are self-explanatory (more chocolate is always better!), but the zucchini? That might seem a little strange…

But let me tell you, zucchini is awesome in brownies! And here's why:

  • it adds a ton of moisture making them fudgier
  • you get more fiber
  • you can't taste them at all
  • you're getting extra veggies

It's a no brainer in my eyes!
Vegan Protein Brownies

The Best Zucchini Brownies EVER!

So truly, these are the best zucchini brownies (aka flourless protein brownies) EVER! They're vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, made in just one bowl and use just 10 ingredients.

They're a cinch to make, they're totally decadent and yet still healthy!

One of those brownies that you never have to feel guilty about eating. Not that you should ever feel guilty about eating brownies, but still…these are just awesome every way you look at them!

 

 

 

Flourless Zucchini Protein Brownies

More Vegan Gluten Free Brownie Recipes:

Flourless Zucchini Protein Brownies

These flourless protein brownies are fudgy, decadent and healthy. They're naturally gluten-free as well as vegan and packed with zucchini!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 brownies
Calories 129kcal
Print Pin
Best Zucchini Brownies
4.05 from 98 votes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºLine an 8x8 baking pan with parchment and grease the uncovered sides with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Add the cashew butter, banana, flax egg, and coconut sugar into a bowl. Beat until smooth. Stir in the cacao powder, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • Place the shredded zucchini in a clean dish towel and press out as much liquid as possible (do this over the link). Add the zucchini and chocolate chips into the bowl and fold them into the batter.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared tin and bake for 30 - 35 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares and enjoying!*

Video

Notes

* these brownies are very fudgy, so if that's not your thing you should try these instead!

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Flourless Zucchini Protein Brownies

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About Alyssa

Hey there, I’m Alyssa Rimmer, a certified Holistic Nutritionist, yoga-lover, dog mom, and founder of Simply Quinoa. It’s nice to meet you! I created SQ as a way to provide solutions for women just like me, who were struggling to find helpful information about how to live a healthy and fulfilled life. My hope is that you will find inspiration here on SQ – in my story, in my recipes, in the hundreds of wellness articles, and in our amazing community. Welcome!

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  1. Hi there, loving your recipes thank you. Just wondering what you think if I grind rolled oats into flour & use this instead of protein powder , if that would work????

  2. I just made these with baking soda as per the written recipe, but the video says baking powder. Which one is correct? Thanks!

  3. Soooooooo good. Take it from someone who has a serious adiction to chocolate. These are delicious and they satisfy my chocolate cravings!

  4. OK, I just made my second batch of these in a little over a week and man they are seriously the most amazing fudgy and chocolatey brownies ever. I’m obsessed with this recipe. Thank you so much for all the amazing recipes! I’m learning so much with you Alyssa 🙂

  5. I made these last night and they’re honestly the most delicious brownies ever. They taste better than regular brownies!!! I used a regular egg, almond butter, and sugar since it’s what I had on hand and it worked just fine! Super rich and moist!

  6. SUCH a good idea! I’ve been using black beans to make brownies and though I LOVE the way they turn out, I find that it’s kinda a pain to work with the batter cuz it’s so thick and sticky. I’m gonna swap for zucchini next time 😍 thanks, Alyssa!

  7. These were delicious! We made a double batch (and ate half) and got rave reviews all around. We followed the recipe exactly – the only thing we added was a tsp of vanilla extract, which elevated the flavor to another level. Next time, we’ll try adding some chopped walnuts. Thanks for the recipe!

  8. These are some of the best brownies I have ever had. Out of all of the brownies. Not just the “healthier” ones. Somehow we only have one left, so guess what I’m doing tonight? Baking a new batch. I have a problem ????????

    P.S. Found you on Instagram ????

  9. Just made the brownies and they are amazing! I replaced 1/4 of the coconut sugar with 1/4 more protein powder, since my bananas were quite ripe. Amazing! Also, I would suggest squeezing the zucchini over a wide cup, to drink it afterwards instead of spilling it. Vitamin A! 🙂

  10. Made these today … 🙁 don’t look as yummy or taste as yours . Replaced the nut butter for tahini. Quite strong in flavour and a little sponge in texture .

    • I think the tahini probably is why since it’s a strong flavor. If it’s a sweetness thing, it could also be the protein powder you use. Like I said in the post, these are VERY fudgy 🙂

  11. The zucchini brownies recipe looks so delicious! Thank you for sharing! I live nut chunks in brownies. I wonder if throwing in some pecans or walnuts would hold up ok in this recipe.??

  12. Can i use something other than protein powder? Perhaps almond flour? Or chickpea flour? Love the blogg. / sofia

  13. Could I use a chicken egg in place of the flax egg? And what do you think of strawberry pieces in place of chocolate chips?

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