Spring Vegetable Brownies: The Easiest, Healthiest Recipe EVER

January 26, 2026

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Spring vegetable brownies. Yes, you read that right! These aren’t your average chocolate squares; we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the fresh flavors of spring in the most unexpected way. I promise you, these spring vegetable brownies will redefine your definition of ‘delicious’.

I remember the first time I added zucchini to my chocolate cake. My grandmother would always sneak veggies into our meals, so I thought, “Why not brownies?” and wow! And with the abundance of fresh produce at the farmer’s market, I knew I wanted to keep experimenting. It became a recipe I just had to share.

Why You Will Love This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

These spring vegetable brownies are more than just a surprising twist; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures. The addition of finely grated zucchini and carrots not only adds moisture but also a subtle sweetness that complements the rich chocolate.

Think of it as a guilt free indulgence. You get the satisfaction of a decadent dessert while sneaking in a serving of vegetables. It’s a win win!

And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! The recipe utilizes simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, you can feel good about using up those extra veggies from your garden or farmer’s market. Oh, and did I mention they are seriously delicious?

For a taste of more spring goodness, you might also want to try my Spring Vegetable Cheesecake 2 or perhaps the Spring Vegetable Carrot Cake 2 is more your style.

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Ingredients Needed for This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

For the Brownies:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup grated zucchini, squeezed of excess moisture
½ cup grated carrots
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl (Optional):

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in the grated zucchini and carrots until evenly distributed. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
7. If making the cream cheese swirl, in a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl with a knife or chopstick.
9. Bake for 25 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
10. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

How to Serve This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

These spring vegetable brownies are delicious served warm or at room temperature. If you want to get fancy, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also adds a nice touch. They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a summery twist, try serving them with fresh berries.

How to Store This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

To keep your spring vegetable brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

To reheat, you can microwave them for a few seconds until warmed through, or enjoy them cold!

Tips to Make This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

Don’t skip squeezing the zucchini: This is crucial for preventing soggy brownies. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
Use high quality chocolate: Using good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips will make a big difference in the overall flavor.
Try adding nuts: Walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition.
For added moisture, try using a vegan butter substitute or substituting the melted butter with coconut oil. These spring vegetable brownies are highly adaptable.

Helpful Notes for This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

The type of cocoa powder you use can affect the flavor of the brownies. Dutch processed cocoa powder will give you a richer, darker flavor.

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1 cup of granulated sugar. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch.

I recommend using a light colored baking pan to prevent the brownies from browning too quickly.

Variation of This spring vegetable brownies Recipe

For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor. Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate.

Consider a peanut butter swirl instead of cream cheese. Or, go wild and add both! For a lighter treat, check out these Spring Picnic Brownies 2.

What vegetables can you put in brownies?

Common vegetables that work well in brownies include zucchini, spinach, and beets. These vegetables add moisture and nutrients without significantly altering the brownie’s flavor.

Are vegetable brownies healthy?

Vegetable brownies can be a healthier alternative to traditional brownies, as they often contain added vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. However, the overall nutritional value depends on the other ingredients used, such as sugar and flour.

How do you hide vegetables in brownies?

Pureeing the vegetables before adding them to the brownie batter is the best way to ensure they blend seamlessly. Also consider adding chocolate chips or other flavors to mask the taste.

Can you taste the vegetables in vegetable brownies?

If prepared correctly, you should not be able to distinctly taste the vegetables. The taste is typically masked by the chocolate and other ingredients, adding a subtle sweetness and moisture.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these spring vegetable brownies! They’re a fun and delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies and enjoy a decadent treat at the same time. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and variations. Happy baking, and let me know in the comments how your spring vegetable brownies turn out!