Courgette/Zucchini Healthy Brownies
Don’t let the word courgette/zucchini or healthy brownies put you off making this recipe. I promise that these gooey brownies are one of the absolute best treats I have ever made AND my kids have been non-stop trying to get me to make them again which is a great sign! Yes they are healthy brownies, yes they do contain a vegetable, but they are super delicious, so easy to make and really inexpensive too.
Courgette
I have to say I love courgettes (zucchini for you Moms in the US). They are amazing at soaking up liquid, so when you add them to a stirfry or cottage pie they taste delicious. They are also super nutritious and contain a powerhouse of nutrients including vitamin C and tonnes of potassium. You can read more about them here: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/29/good-for-you-courgettes-food-and-drink-health-and-wellbeing
When used in this healthy brownie recipe though I guarantee you will never guess there is a courgette in site. Just make sure to really squeeze as much of the liquid out before adding to the batter then they completely blend into the mixture and give these brownies a delicious texture that you are going to love.
The secret is: Sugar-free Cocoa Powder
My 12 year old doesn’t like cacao, he thinks it makes anything chocolatey taste way too much like dark chocolate for him. However, this week I found a new cocoa powder in Dunnes Stores that contains just 100% cocoa solids. Zero sugar and when the teeniest bit of sweetness is added it turns into a milk chocolate. Seriously try it with banana it is unreal! So I am now totally converted. You can buy it in the baking section and it comes in a brown tub.
Onto the Healthy Brownies Recipe
Obviously I am biased but this is a recipe you definitely have to make especially for your Mum this Mothers Day weekend. Most toddlers love cooking too so tell them you want them to help you make your Mothers Day cake. That way they feel like they did something really love for you. Even though you are really making your own cake. It is still very very sweet.
These brownies are also super high in protein too. They contain eggs, Greek yogurt and a good topping of peanut butter too. Great for busy little toddlers, kids of all ages and Mums everywhere too.
Nut Free alternative
If you or your baby has a nut allergy, just swap the peanut butter in the frosting for tahini and top with some toasted sunflower seeds for that lovely crunch.
Remember for smaller babies to make sure the nuts are really fine, or just leave out altogether.
Serving Suggestion
I think they taste amazing just as they are with a little glass of milk. I also made some yummy banana nicecream and they were so delicious with that too. Or top with a little dollop of greek yogurt. The perfect match to an ooey gooey brownie EVER! Once you taste these brownies you will make them time and time again – guaranteed!
This recipe is sponsored by Dunnes Stores and is part of my healthy food series for kids. You can find all of the ingredients in-store including their amazing cocoa powder.
I can’t wait to see what you think of this healthy brownie recipe. If you make it share your photo on Instagram and tag #babyledfeeding so I can see your amazing creations.
Lots of love,
Aileen xoxo
Here are some other recipes you may like:
Super Healthy Black Bean Brownies