Squash Brownies
Sweet and moist squash brownies combine rich cocoa, warming cinnamon, and nuts for a delicious treat suitable for all chocolate lovers and those seeking a veggie-enhanced dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cocoa ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups grated squash ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 cup chocolate morsels ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, oil, and sugars.
- Beat in eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cocoa, and cinnamon.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in grated squash until evenly incorporated.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts and chocolate morsels on top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the buttermilk with applesauce. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut oil instead of butter or margarine. Ensure the squash is finely grated to avoid a chunky texture. For a twist, add a teaspoon of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. This recipe is part of American recipes and can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
These squash brownies are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of Buttermilk Glaze For Fresh Apple Cake. Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will help revive their fudgy texture without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squash Brownies contains roughly 388 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1194mg per serving (52% 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 a different type of squash?
Yes, you can use other varieties of squash like zucchini or even pumpkin puree in place of grated squash. Just ensure the moisture content is similar, as this can affect the texture of the brownies. If you use pumpkin, consider adjusting the spices slightly to complement the flavor.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Ensure the mix contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and chocolate morsels, are gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of espresso. You can also mix in different types of nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. These additions can elevate the taste and make your brownies uniquely yours.
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).