Hidden Veggie Brownies

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling
Yield 16 brownies
Test Kitchen Approved
Hidden veggie brownies are every bit as chocolaty as your favorite brownie but with beets, carrots and zucchini blended right into the batter. These sneaky veggies keep the brownies fudgy and tender while boosting nutrition—perfect for picky eaters or anyone craving a healthier chocolate treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon baking cocoa
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium beet, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, place a steamer basket over 1 in. of water. Place carrots and beets in basket. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; steam, covered, until tender, 10-15 minutes. Cool completely.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease an 8-in. square baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on two sides of the pan. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
  4. In a blender, combine sugar, oil, egg, vanilla, baking cocoa, beets, carrots and zucchini; blend on high until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture; stir until just combined. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Transfer to the prepared baking pan; spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon chocolate chips. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the brownies out of the pan; place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 16 squares to serve.

Nutrition Facts

1 brownie: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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