This recipe is not over-the-top healthy, which my kids appreciate. As my almost 16-year-old said, “You don’t have to do that to EVERYTHING, mom!”. These brownies are rich and fudgey but have the added bonus of using 100% whole wheat flour and some shredded zucchini. It’s just enough to make you feel a tad less guilty over the dessert you are serving up.
Brownies with Whole Wheat and Zucchini

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp melted butter
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup unbleached, white whole wheat flour
1/3 cup finely shredded zucchini, packed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
In a medium bowl mix melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Mix in sugar until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, stirring completely after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. Stir in flour just until combined. Try not to over-mix. Fold in zucchini. Spread into baking dish and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting.