Keto Zucchini Brownies (Low Carb)

If you’ve been searching for a decadent treat that aligns with your gluten-free and keto lifestyle, get ready for a delightful surprise. Today, we’re diving into the world of Gluten-Free Keto Zucchini Brownies – a deliciously moist and chocolaty low carb dessert that uses zucchini as a healthier alternative for baking, satisfying your sweet cravings without derailing your dietary goals. Prepare to embark on a journey filled with flavor, fun, and a touch of zucchini magic!

All the low carb zucchini recipes

Ah, zucchini. This humble green vegetable has become my kitchen’s unexpected hero. You see, every summer, my garden yields a bumper crop of zucchini, leaving me with a dilemma: what to do with all that zucchini? From savory dishes to sweet treats, I’ve experimented with it all. But let me tell you, my journey into the realm of zucchini desserts has been the most exciting. One day, as I stared at yet another pile of freshly picked zucchinis, inspiration struck – why not incorporate them into brownies? And thus, the Gluten-Free Keto Zucchini Brownies were born!

Low Carb Zucchini Brownies: The Texas Sheet Cake Experience

Let me tell you, I absolutely adore a good Texas sheet cake—especially that luscious, rich frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Now, imagine all that deliciousness but with a low-carb twist! That’s where these zucchini brownies come in. They have that same decadent, sweet indulgence you crave from a Texas sheet cake, but without all the carbs.

The zucchini adds a wonderful moist texture, with that chocolate zucchini flavor, and when you top it off with a velvety chocolate glaze, it’s pure bliss. Trust me, these brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth and make you forget they’re actually good for you.

Low Carb Zucchini Brownies: Macros and Nutrition Facts

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at what makes these zucchini keto brownies so special. As the name suggests, they are gluten-free and keto-friendly. Let’s talk numbers, because this zucchini brownie recipe is as good for you as it is delicious. Each serving is packed with nutritious ingredients like almond flour, cocoa powder, and of course, zucchini. Here’s a quick breakdown of the macros and nutrition per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 183

Fat: 16g

Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 5g

Fiber: 3g

Net Carbs: 2g

So not only do these low carb zucchini brownies satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet, but they also pack in some essential nutrients thanks to the addition of zucchini

With these stats, you can indulge in these low carb zucchini brownies guilt-free, knowing you’re enjoying a treat that’s low in carbs and high in flavor.

🍽️ Equipment

Before we get started, let’s gather our trusty kitchen tools. You’ll need:

Medium bowl or large bowl – A large bowl is best for mixing all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.

Whisk or fork – A whisk is perfect for achieving a smooth, lump-free batter.

Grater (regular or cheese grater) – A box grater is versatile and can easily handle vegetables and cheese alike.

Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measuring cups and spoons ensure your recipe turns out perfect every time.

Spatula – A silicone spatula is ideal for scraping every last bit of batter and for gentle folding.

9×13-inch baking dish (prepared pan) – A 9×13-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper guarantees even baking and easy removal of your brownies.

Parchment paper – This is great to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Saucepan (for the glaze) – A heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial for making a smooth, velvety chocolate glaze without burning it.

🥘 Ingredient Tips for Low Carb Brownies

Brownie batter

1/4 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil), melted: Go for grass-fed butter to add a rich, creamy flavor and boost the nutritional profile with healthy fats. You can use coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and beneficial fats.

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose high-quality, Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor without adding carbs.

2/3 cup sweetener (Swerve, Lakanto Monk Fruit, or your choice – 1/2 cup for less sweet): Opt for Lakanto Monk Fruit for a natural, zero-carb sweetener that won’t spike your blood sugar.

2 large eggs: Use organic, free-range eggs to ensure the best taste and the highest nutritional value.

1 teaspoon vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is always a better choice than imitation for a more authentic and aromatic vanilla essence.

1 cup grated, drained zucchini: Grate the zucchini finely and squeeze out excess water; it adds moisture without affecting the carb count.

1/4 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder!): Just a dash of baking soda helps the brownies rise slightly, creating a perfect, fudgy texture.

1/2 teaspoon salt: Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt can enhance the overall flavor without any additives.

1 cup almond flour: Blanched almond flour works best for a fine, consistent texture that mimics traditional flour but keeps it low-carb.

Chocolate Glaze Tips

6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Again, grass-fed butter delivers superior taste and health benefits.

1/2 cup cocoa powder: Stick to the same high-quality, Dutch-processed cocoa for a consistent chocolatey flavor.

6 tablespoons heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free): Full-fat heavy cream ensures a rich, velvety glaze. If you’re looking to make these delectable brownies dairy-free, you can easily swap out heavy cream for coconut cream in the chocolate glaze; it adds a lovely richness while keeping the brownie glaze smooth and delicious.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Pure vanilla extract will complement the chocolate perfectly.

2/3 cup powdered sweetener (1/2 cup for less sweet): A powdered version of Monk Fruit or Swerve will dissolve easily, creating a smooth, glossy glaze.

1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips (optional to sprinkle on top of the low carb brownies): Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips are a delicious, low-carb option to add an extra bit of decadence.

🥄 Sweeten Your Way: Exploring Sugar Alternatives

When it comes to sweeteners for this recipe, the possibilities are plentiful. While I prefer using powdered Lakanto Monk Fruit for its natural sweetness and zero-calorie profile, you can experiment with other options like Swerve, Stevia, coconut palm sugar, maple syrup (this will make it more runny, and you’ll need to use less), or erythritol. Each sweetener has its unique properties and flavors, so be sure to read the labels to avoid unwanted additives or sugars. Feel free to choose the one that best suits your taste and dietary preferences for perfectly sweetened, guilt-free brownies!

How to Shred Zucchini

The best way to shred and drain zucchini starts with selecting fresh, firm zucchinis. Begin by washing and trimming the ends. Use a box grater or a food processor to create perfectly shredded zucchini. Once shredded, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the cloth and twist it tightly over a sink or bowl to squeeze out excess moisture. For extra thoroughness, you can repeat this step to ensure your grated zucchini is well-drained and ready for cooking or baking, ensuring your dishes don’t turn out soggy.

Another option is to place the shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle some salt over it. The salt will help draw out the excess moisture from the zucchini. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. After that, use your hands to squeeze out all the liquid from the zucchini through the colander. And voila! You now have perfectly shredded and drained zucchini that’s ready to be used in any recipe.

🔪 Instructions: How to Make Keto Zucchini Brownies

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this step using a double boiler on the stove. Next, add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the melted butter, followed by the sweetener, stirring until everything is nicely incorporated and smooth.

Now, crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla to ensure the batter is smooth and glossy. Gently fold in the grated and well-drained zucchini and chocolate chips to avoid any excess moisture in the batter. Sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and almond flour over the batter, and use a spatula to fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with maybe a few crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish.

🍫 Keto Chocolate Frosting – Similar to Texas Sheet Cake Frosting

While the brownies cool, prepare the chocolate glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sweetener until smooth. Once the brownies are cool, pour the glaze over them, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

For the best results, let the brownies cool completely in the refrigerator. This ensures the frosting sets perfectly, making the brownies easier to cut into neat squares and enhancing their rich, chocolaty texture. Cooling them thoroughly allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving you the ultimate decadent treat. Enjoy!

🥣 How to Store Gluten-Free Keto Zucchini Brownies

Once you’ve enjoyed a few of these delectable brownies, you’ll want to store the rest properly to maintain their freshness. Place the brownies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you’d like to keep them for longer, you can freeze the brownies for up to three months. I prefer to first freeze the low carb chocolate zucchini brownies on a baking pan so the frosting does not stick to the foil or plastic wrap.

Next, simply wrap each brownie individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the brownies in the refrigerator or at room temperature. I love having low carb snacks in the freezer that are easy to grab just one serving.

🍵 Variation: A Protein-Packed Twist on Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

Lately, I’ve been shaking things up by substituting Further Foods Collagen Peptides for cocoa powder in my keto brownie recipe. I found it at Costco, some grocery stores, or Amazon. This not only boosts the protein content but also gives the brownies a unique, rich flavor. You can use any good quality chocolate protein powder for this substitution; just make sure to read the ingredients to avoid sugar or other unwanted additives. This simple swap transforms your treat into a nutrient-dense delight without compromising on taste!

🔥 Time to Bake Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

Congratulations on discovering this yummy recipe for fudgy brownies with Texas sheet cake style chocolate frosting! Hopefully, you’ve successfully crafted a batch of Gluten-Free Keto Zucchini Brownies that are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. These brownies are not only a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth, but they’re also a testament to the versatility of zucchini and the wonders of keto-friendly baking. I love how they remind me of a good Texas sheet cake.

So go ahead, share the joy with your family and friends, and relish in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and hidden veggies. Until our next culinary adventure – happy baking and bon appétit! 🌟🍫

🔷 More keto brownie recipes

Keto Pumpkin Brownies

Low Carb Peanut Butter Brownies

Keto Coconut Flour Brownies Recipe

🤩 Let’s Get Creative with Zucchini!

I know I’ve been having a blast with these amazing low-carb recipes, and I hope you are too, but I’m always looking for new ways to jazz things up in the kitchen. So, I’m turning to you all for some inspiration—what are your favorite ways to use zucchini in low-carb dishes?

Whether it’s a secret ingredient in desserts, a star in savory meals, or a sneaky substitute for higher-carb foods, I want to hear about it! Drop your most creative zucchini recipes or ideas in the comments below. Let’s keep our culinary adventures exciting and delicious!

Pin the keto recipe here:

🖨️ Printable recipe card: zucchini brownie recipe

Tag me in your recipe pics on Instagram @explorermomma!

If you LOVE low carb recipes and this keto zucchini brownies recipe please consider giving it a five-star rating in the review area below!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please be aware I am not a medical specialist or nutritional professional. On this blog, I share recipes and what works for me. Please do not take anything on this blog as medical advice and always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

I use MyFitnessPal dot com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers, and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count because it does not affect my own blood glucose levels.

This is as accurate as possible, but it’s best to independently calculate nutritional data on your own with the specific ingredients you use. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.