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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The New Year has arrived, and with it that rush of urgency, most of us feel to get "it" done. I mean, I get it. It`s like the mother of all fresh starts.
BUT, that intensity in which we attack the New Year tends to fade quickly, and we eventually fall into the familiar pattern of starting tomorrow--every week--until the next New Year.
But what if this year you get "it"--whatever "it" may be for you--done one day at a time?
👉Practice consistency instead of intensity.
👉Treat each day as a fresh start.
👉 Every decision you make is an opportunity for self correction.
👉Celebrate your wins, and give yourself grace when you make mistakes.
👉Take a break, but don`t quit.
Most of all, remember that failure is not fatal, and success is never final; your journey is about progress, not perfection.
So, Happy New Day🎉
xo Lisa
The New Year has arrived, and with it that rush of urgency, most of us feel to get "it" done. I mean, I get it. It`s like the mother of all fresh starts.
BUT, that intensity in which we attack the New Year tends to fade quickly, and we eventually fall into the familiar pattern of starting tomorrow--every week--until the next New Year.
But what if this year you get "it"--whatever "it" may be for you--done one day at a time?
👉Practice consistency instead of intensity.
👉Treat each day as a fresh start.
👉 Every decision you make is an opportunity for self correction.
👉Celebrate your wins, and give yourself grace when you make mistakes.
👉Take a break, but don`t quit.
Most of all, remember that failure is not fatal, and success is never final; your journey is about progress, not perfection.
So, Happy New Day🎉
xo Lisa
Sunday, I enjoyed a few cookies during our family cookie bake.
Last night for dinner, I enjoyed half a turkey & cheese sub (from our favorite sub shop) and some seasoned waffle fries prepared in my air-fryer.
For breakfast today, I enjoyed mixed greens and a spicy feta mushroom omelet.
My point? Sometimes I choose the cookie, and sometimes I choose the salad.
See, our food choices aren`t the problem. Our mindset is. A few cookies don`t have the power to shove us off the proverbial wagon--that`s a mindset thing.
Embrace the joy of the season, and keep making progress one choice at a time!
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossmotivation #trusttheprocess #bigfatskinnydish
Sunday, I enjoyed a few cookies during our family cookie bake.
Last night for dinner, I enjoyed half a turkey & cheese sub (from our favorite sub shop) and some seasoned waffle fries prepared in my air-fryer.
For breakfast today, I enjoyed mixed greens and a spicy feta mushroom omelet.
My point? Sometimes I choose the cookie, and sometimes I choose the salad.
See, our food choices aren`t the problem. Our mindset is. A few cookies don`t have the power to shove us off the proverbial wagon--that`s a mindset thing.
Embrace the joy of the season, and keep making progress one choice at a time!
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossmotivation #trusttheprocess #bigfatskinnydish
Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don`t ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason
Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don`t ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason
The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.
To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.
So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.
Happy Veteran`s Day!
xo Lisa
#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy
The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.
To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.
So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.
Happy Veteran`s Day!
xo Lisa
#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy
Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.
I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here`s what I do know:
3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points
24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens
PS. I know to most of you it`s just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!
Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather
Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.
I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here`s what I do know:
3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points
24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens
PS. I know to most of you it`s just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!
Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather
"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu
Change is hard. I get that it`s unavoidable—but still, for me, it`s hard.
I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don`t want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?
But here`s the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.
How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think.
So, here`s to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Change might be tough, but it`s where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom
"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu
Change is hard. I get that it`s unavoidable—but still, for me, it`s hard.
I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don`t want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?
But here`s the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.
How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think.
So, here`s to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Change might be tough, but it`s where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom
#Saturdaysnack idea.
This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!
Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)
Here`s how to make it.
1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake `n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray
Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake `n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake `n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity
#Saturdaysnack idea.
This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!
Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)
Here`s how to make it.
1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake `n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray
Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake `n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake `n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity
You are the Best!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them.