Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownie Bites
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Getting your veggies has never been easier! Ok, well, maybe that’s an overstatement, but still, these brownie bites are delicious, indulgent, and dare I say…healthy?! A friend sent me a recipe for Mini Chocolate Zucchini Cakes, that she found on BellyFull. She asked me if I could give it a healthy makeover. The original recipe is absolutely delicious (of course I had to try them first), but it was high in both MyWW™ Smart Points and calories. I also thought the texture in both recipes was more reminiscent of brownies than cake, although the mini muffins were definitely cakier (yes, that is a word, I checked) than the bread in my tests. And my taste testers all preferred these in the bread form vs. the muffin form because they were more like brownies.
I would love to tell you that zucchini is the star of this recipe, but it’s just not—at least not from a flavor standpoint. That said, zucchini adds wonderful texture and moisture, not to mention a healthy shot of nutrition to this dessert. If I hadn’t made it myself, I would not have believed that there was zucchini in it. I even fed it to the pickiest guy I know (who I happen to be married to); he wouldn’t have touched these brownie bites with a 33-1/2 foot pole had he known there was zucchini in them. His reaction was, and I quote “mmmm this is good, it doesn’t even have that healthy taste like your first bread test,” —he was referring to my first go around with the Chocolate Cherry Chip Bread, he thought it had an aftertaste (and it did from the sugar replacement.) So, my point is, make these brownie bites, they are delicious, nutritious and I guarantee you won’t regret it!
To start, I lightened up this recipe by using applesauce in place of the butter, at a 1:1 ratio. But I didn’t want to completely omit the butter so I also added two tablespoons of Land O’ Lakes Light Butter with Canola Oil. I cut the sugar (and calories) substantially by using a combination of Truvia™ Cane Sugar Blend and Swerve™ Brown Sugar Replacement. This is my favorite baking combination. I’m not a fan of replacing ALL of the sugar in a recipe with an alternative sweetener, I think baked goods need some real sugar, and I’ve found that the texture and flavor are better when I use a sugar blend rather than just sugar replacement. I also added a teaspoon of Organic Espresso Powder because I think it adds a depth of flavor to anything chocolate. You can most definitely leave it out, and probably wouldn’t miss it, but really, why?
What you need to know:
- This recipe can be made as mini muffins or mini loaves, it’s truly your preference. Baking time is a little different depending on which vessel you choose, but either way, they are delicious.
- I used Lily’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chips, but you can use what you have on hand—but the nutritional value and points were calculated using Lily’s brand.
- I used self-rising flour, but you can use all-purpose flour, just whisk 1-1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt into your flour.
- I didn’t test this recipe in a full-size loaf or muffin pan, but I am certain they would work just as well, however, the number of servings and baking times would need to be adjusted. Don’t forget if you’re adjusting the serving count, it will most likely affect the MyWW™ Smart Point value, so be sure to add it to your recipe builder.
- Baking time varies between ovens. I did the muffins in my oven, they took 17 minutes. The mini loaves were baked in my Ninja Digital Air Fry Oven, I baked them at 325° for 30 minutes and they were perfect. My point is that you can use whatever baking vessel you like, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. The traditional oven takes 15-17 minutes for the muffins and 30-40 for the mini-loaf pans at 350°.
- I adapted this recipe from the BellyFull website, you can check out the original recipe here.
Now, let’s talk about muffins or bread? Personally I really loved this baked it in mini loaf pans. It slices into nice brown-like pieces and they are so rich and moist I could honestly eat the entire loaf! The muffins had a cakier texture, every bit as rich and moist, just not as dense. I can promise you that no matter how you bake them, you’ll be back for more; make sure you leave room for dessert!
Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownie Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup Swerve™ Brown Sugar Replacement
- ½ cup Truvia™ Cane Sugar Blend
- ½ tsp kosher salt (if using table salt use only ¼ tsp)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp Land O Lakes Light Butter with Canola Oil, melted
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa, dutch-process)
- 1 tsp Organic Espresso Powder
- 68 g Lily's Semi-Sweet Style Baking Chips (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Coat a 24-count mini muffin pan or 4 mini loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, egg, applesauce, and butter until well combined. Mix in the zucchini, vanilla, and nonfat yogurt until incorporated.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and espresso powder into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate morsels. Do not over mix.
- Fill each muffin hole with a heaping tablespoon of batter or pour the batter evenly into the prepared mini loaf pans. If using mini muffin pan, bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you are using mini loaf pans, increase baking time to 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before slicing or serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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After I posted on Saturday, a friend suggested that I was being too hard on myself, and that I should take another look at where I was when I started and where I am today to remind myself how far I`ve come--despite gaining some weight back.
I did just that, and it helped me realize that the idea of "starting at square one" after we experience a setback is a big lie.
In fact, I don`t think we are ever really "right back where we started," rather, we are at a new beginning--usually with an army of valuable information gained from the mistakes we`ve made.
I guess what I`m trying to say is, embrace your setbacks, they are the fuel for your journey forward.
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #bigfatskinnywisdom #weightlossjourney #healthjourney
After I posted on Saturday, a friend suggested that I was being too hard on myself, and that I should take another look at where I was when I started and where I am today to remind myself how far I`ve come--despite gaining some weight back.
I did just that, and it helped me realize that the idea of "starting at square one" after we experience a setback is a big lie.
In fact, I don`t think we are ever really "right back where we started," rather, we are at a new beginning--usually with an army of valuable information gained from the mistakes we`ve made.
I guess what I`m trying to say is, embrace your setbacks, they are the fuel for your journey forward.
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #bigfatskinnywisdom #weightlossjourney #healthjourney
When I start to categorize certain foods as bad, I set myself up for failure. I feel like this meme nails it!!
#weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom #eatgreatloseweight
When I start to categorize certain foods as bad, I set myself up for failure. I feel like this meme nails it!!
#weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom #eatgreatloseweight
"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." -Margaret Thatcher
Two years ago, I thought I had finally done it--I conquered the weight-loss thing, once and for all.
Fast forward to now--up 40 pounds from this time two years ago. And boy oh boy have I been having a field day with the self- loathing, shame, and negative self talk.
I have been struggling to stay consistent, and waging war on myself with comparison. It has been a downward spiral that I feel powerless to control. Shame sent me into hiding--and go ahead, ask me how that has worked out!
Today I am choosing to come back, take control, and reset because when I started this journey three-plus years ago, I knew it would be hard, but choosing to give up would be harder.
xo Lisa
#weightlossjourney
"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." -Margaret Thatcher
Two years ago, I thought I had finally done it--I conquered the weight-loss thing, once and for all.
Fast forward to now--up 40 pounds from this time two years ago. And boy oh boy have I been having a field day with the self- loathing, shame, and negative self talk.
I have been struggling to stay consistent, and waging war on myself with comparison. It has been a downward spiral that I feel powerless to control. Shame sent me into hiding--and go ahead, ask me how that has worked out!
Today I am choosing to come back, take control, and reset because when I started this journey three-plus years ago, I knew it would be hard, but choosing to give up would be harder.
xo Lisa
#weightlossjourney
Happy FriYAY
I know it`s been a while since I`ve posted or done a live video, in part because I feel a bit like a fraud.
I`ve gained some weight back, and the shame I feel has been paralyzing. And let me tell you, the negative self talk has been strong, and LOUD.
But also totally UNTRUE.
Here`s the truth. I`m not back where I started. I may have lost a little ground, gotten distracted and even lost my focus--but I haven`t given up on my goal.
Never give up. Do not stop. Practice consistency. AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF--even when you don’t! 😉
#facetofacefriday #weightlossjourney #consistency #accountability #bigfatskinnywisdom
Happy FriYAY
I know it`s been a while since I`ve posted or done a live video, in part because I feel a bit like a fraud.
I`ve gained some weight back, and the shame I feel has been paralyzing. And let me tell you, the negative self talk has been strong, and LOUD.
But also totally UNTRUE.
Here`s the truth. I`m not back where I started. I may have lost a little ground, gotten distracted and even lost my focus--but I haven`t given up on my goal.
Never give up. Do not stop. Practice consistency. AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF--even when you don’t! 😉
#facetofacefriday #weightlossjourney #consistency #accountability #bigfatskinnywisdom
My daughter asked me to get her chicken McNuggets while I was out today.
Can I just say, going through the drive-thru when you`re hungry is hard. But I haven`t had McDonald`s (other than an Egg McMuffin a time or two) since 2019. And I wasn`t going to start today...although I do plan to try the strawberry shortcake McFlurry before it`s gone! But that`s another post!
I decided to ask for a few extra sauces (my favorite is Hot Mustard) and came home to make my own copycat nuggets.
I wish I could take the credit for this piece of culinary genius, but I found the recipe while scrolling Instagram--it was a reel, so I`m not sure who it was!
Copy Cat Chicken McNuggets
Serves 1 (12 nuggets)
4 WW Points
443 Calories
12.5 oz can Kirkland Canned Chicken, drained
1 egg
65 grams 75% Reduced Fat Cabot Cheddar
1 tbsp grated parmesan
Seasoning of your choice, I used some spicy ranch seasoning.
Avocado Oil cooking spray
Preheat oven or airfryer to 400.
1. Mix all ingredients well, shape into nuggets (I got 12 out of this), place on pan spritzed with avocado oil cooking spray, then give them another quick spritz.
2. Air fry or bake 25 min or until golden and crispy, turning them over halfway through. I use the air fry function on my Ninja XL oven.
I enjoyed these with my favorite McDonald`s nugget sauce!
As a side note, the point/nutritional values will be different depending on the cheese you use.
#bigfatskinnyrecipes #eatgreatloseweight #weightlossjourney #healthyswaps
My daughter asked me to get her chicken McNuggets while I was out today.
Can I just say, going through the drive-thru when you`re hungry is hard. But I haven`t had McDonald`s (other than an Egg McMuffin a time or two) since 2019. And I wasn`t going to start today...although I do plan to try the strawberry shortcake McFlurry before it`s gone! But that`s another post!
I decided to ask for a few extra sauces (my favorite is Hot Mustard) and came home to make my own copycat nuggets.
I wish I could take the credit for this piece of culinary genius, but I found the recipe while scrolling Instagram--it was a reel, so I`m not sure who it was!
Copy Cat Chicken McNuggets
Serves 1 (12 nuggets)
4 WW Points
443 Calories
12.5 oz can Kirkland Canned Chicken, drained
1 egg
65 grams 75% Reduced Fat Cabot Cheddar
1 tbsp grated parmesan
Seasoning of your choice, I used some spicy ranch seasoning.
Avocado Oil cooking spray
Preheat oven or airfryer to 400.
1. Mix all ingredients well, shape into nuggets (I got 12 out of this), place on pan spritzed with avocado oil cooking spray, then give them another quick spritz.
2. Air fry or bake 25 min or until golden and crispy, turning them over halfway through. I use the air fry function on my Ninja XL oven.
I enjoyed these with my favorite McDonald`s nugget sauce!
As a side note, the point/nutritional values will be different depending on the cheese you use.
#bigfatskinnyrecipes #eatgreatloseweight #weightlossjourney #healthyswaps
I stumbled across an old journal entry from late 2020. And boy did I need the reminder.
I thought I`d share just in case any of you needed a reminder too:
"Transformation is a process. It takes time, and patience. Sometimes you`re gonna hit it on all cylinders, and sometimes you`re gonna struggle. In either case the requirement is to show up, and do the best that you can."
(December 13, 2020)
Don`t ever underestimate your own wisdom, because most times the only expert you need is looking back at you in the mirror.
xo-Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom
I stumbled across an old journal entry from late 2020. And boy did I need the reminder.
I thought I`d share just in case any of you needed a reminder too:
"Transformation is a process. It takes time, and patience. Sometimes you`re gonna hit it on all cylinders, and sometimes you`re gonna struggle. In either case the requirement is to show up, and do the best that you can."
(December 13, 2020)
Don`t ever underestimate your own wisdom, because most times the only expert you need is looking back at you in the mirror.
xo-Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom
I had a bad hair day..
I was letting my hair grow because, for like a minute I was loving it long--and then yesterday on a whim I decided that I didn`t.
I sent a quick text to @nikitajohns, the best hairstylist ever, and a few hours later my hair was four inches shorter, my bad hair day was over, and I was ready for spring!
The moral of the story is: making a change doesn`t require over thinking--just do it!
I had a bad hair day..
I was letting my hair grow because, for like a minute I was loving it long--and then yesterday on a whim I decided that I didn`t.
I sent a quick text to @nikitajohns, the best hairstylist ever, and a few hours later my hair was four inches shorter, my bad hair day was over, and I was ready for spring!
The moral of the story is: making a change doesn`t require over thinking--just do it!
My eyes have been bothering me off and on for a few days, I figured it was just a Sjogrens flare, until this morning when I woke up with sore, red, goopy eyes.
So I scheduled a quick video visit with my doctor...
and the winner is:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis (aka) Pink Eye!!
I`m getting some antibiotic drops, but spam me with your best home remedies to soothe sore, achey eyes 👀!
My eyes have been bothering me off and on for a few days, I figured it was just a Sjogrens flare, until this morning when I woke up with sore, red, goopy eyes.
So I scheduled a quick video visit with my doctor...
and the winner is:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis (aka) Pink Eye!!
I`m getting some antibiotic drops, but spam me with your best home remedies to soothe sore, achey eyes 👀!
You are the Best!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them.