Chocolate Zucchini Squares
Chocolate Zucchini Squares offer a moist, fudgy treat combining rich cocoa and fresh zucchini, perfect for chocolate lovers and a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oleo, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 3 eggs or Egg Beaters ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded zucchini ⓘ
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
Instructions
- Beat oleo, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil for 2 minutes.
- Beat in buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs.
- Add dry ingredients and stir in shredded zucchini.
- Spread the batter into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle with semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. If you need a substitute for buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. For a lighter texture, you can replace half the oil with applesauce.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat. They also pair nicely with a cup of coffee or tea. For a colorful side, consider serving with Tasty Apple Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chocolate Zucchini Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Zucchini Squares contains roughly 243 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 571mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To achieve a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to peel the zucchini before shredding?
No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin is nutritious and adds color to the squares. Just wash the zucchini thoroughly before shredding to remove any dirt.
Can I freeze the Chocolate Zucchini Squares?
Absolutely! Allow the squares to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chilled treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).