Description
Deliciously fudgy courgette brownies combining rich dark chocolate and moist grated courgette for a healthier twist on a classic treat. This recipe yields a shiny crust with a gooey center, perfect for a chocolate fix with added veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 200g unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus extra for the tin
- 120g plain flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 200g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- 4 eggs
- 300g caster sugar
- 1 courgette (about 300g), grated
- 100g milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Tin: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Butter a 30 x 20cm cake tin or deep baking tray and line it with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour and cocoa powder into a bowl to ensure a smooth batter and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Dark Chocolate: Place the butter and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (make sure the bowl does not touch the water) until melted and combined, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, melt in short bursts in the microwave. Allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and caster sugar together with an electric whisk until the mixture is thick, pale, and has roughly doubled in volume. Lift the beaters – the batter should leave a trail lasting 2 to 3 seconds.
- Combine Chocolate and Flour Mixtures: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, followed by folding in the sifted flour and cocoa powder. Take care to preserve the airiness of the batter.
- Add Courgette and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the grated courgette and milk chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the surface with a spatula or palette knife. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top has a shiny crust but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Cool and Serve: Leave the brownies to cool completely in the tin for about 1 hour. Once cooled, transfer to a board and cut into 16 pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.
Notes
- Ensure not to overbake to maintain the fudgy center characteristic of brownies.
- Grated courgette adds moisture and nutrients without altering the chocolate flavor.
- If you don’t have a suitable-sized tin, a similar-sized baking dish can be used but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Use good quality dark and milk chocolate for best results.
- These brownies freeze well – wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: courgette brownies, chocolate brownies, healthy brownies, vegetable brownies, chocolate dessert, fudgy brownies
