These chewy butterscotch zucchini blondies are a sweet twist that hides a healthy veggie! Made with gooey butterscotch chips and grated zucchini, they’re soft and delicious.
Who knew veggies could be this tasty? My kids love them, and I love sneaking in that zucchini! Perfect for snack time or dessert, you won’t even notice the greens! 🥒🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is a great base for these blondies. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead, which works well without altering the taste too much.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the blondies a rich flavor. If you’re looking to cut calories or dairy, you can substitute it with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The taste will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a bit of caramel flavor. You can replace it with granulated sugar for a less rich taste, or use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture and health benefits. If you don’t have zucchini, grated carrots can be a fun substitute, though it will change the flavor a little.
Butterscotch Chips: I love the melted sweetness of butterscotch chips, but chocolate chips work just as well if you’re in the mood for something different. Or try peanut butter chips for a unique twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Is Perfectly Grated?
Grating zucchini adds moisture to the blondies, but it can be too watery if not prepared right. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a medium zucchini. Wash and dry it well.
- Use the coarse side of a box grater and grate the zucchini.
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to squeeze out excess moisture. This prevents the batter from becoming too wet.
Following these steps will ensure your blondies stay chewy and hold their shape while baking!
How to Make Chewy Butterscotch Zucchini Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. By the time you finish mixing and popping them in the oven, you’ll have a warm, sweet treat ready to enjoy! Total time is around 40 minutes, including baking and cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking delicious blondies. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make the blondies easier to lift out later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps combine the ingredients evenly and gets rid of any lumps.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar until smooth and well blended. You can use a whisk or a spatula for this step. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is creamy.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini! Make sure you’ve squeezed out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the mixture. Stir it in gently until it’s evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into the zucchini mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix it. This will keep your blondies nice and chewy!
6. Add Butterscotch Chips:
Now, fold in the butterscotch chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. These sweet little gems are what make these blondies so special.
7. Bake the Blondies:
Carefully spread the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and set them on a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy your delicious, chewy butterscotch zucchini blondies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Sweetener?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Just keep in mind it might give a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Substitute the Zucchini?
While zucchini adds moisture, you can use grated carrots as a substitute. However, this will change the flavor slightly. Other soft fruits like mashed bananas could also work, but they will alter the sweetness and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!
Can I Freeze These Blondies?
Yes! These blondies freeze well. Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy one!
