1/4cupvegan sugar, xylitol, stevia baking blend, or sweetener of choice(see note)
3/4teaspoonbaking soda
1/4teaspoonsalt
1cupfinely shredded zucchini(about 1/2 medium zucchini shredded in food processor)
1/4cupwalnut piecesoptional
OPTIONAL FROSTING:
1/2cupvegan chocolate chips
3tablespoonsalmond milk or other non-dairy milk
1tablespoonnatural peanut butter or other nut butter
Instructions
Place the dates in a small bowl and pour the hot water over them. Allow to soak until the dates are soft, about 1/2 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or oiling lightly.
Put the dates and the soaking water in the blender with the applesauce and vanilla. Blend at high speed until completely smooth. Set aside.
Combine the flour, cocoa, sugar or substitute, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the zucchini and walnuts, if using. Add the blended date mixture and stir until all the flour is moistened. The batter will be thick. Spoon it into the prepared pan and smooth over the top.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until brownies are no longer liquid in the middle and edges are firm but not drying out. Allow to cool.
You can eat them plain or add the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frosting:
Combine the chocolate chips, non-dairy milk, and nut butter in a small microwaveable bowl or the top of a double boiler. If microwaving, cook on high for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat microwaving and stirring for 10-second intervals, until frosting is smooth. In double boiler, cook and stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Frost brownies immediately. Allow to stand about 20 minutes to firm up before cutting into 16 servings. Enjoy!
Notes
These brownies are much less sweet than traditional brownies, but you can make them sweeter by adding a little stevia extract to taste. Or, if you don’t mind sugar, increase the sugar from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup.Nutrition info in the box below includes all optional ingredients. Each brownie counts as 4 Smart Points on WW Blue program.Nutrition (per serving with walnuts and no frosting): 73 calories, 14 calories from fat, 1.6g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 97.5mg sodium, 126.9mg potassium, 14.8g carbohydrates, 2.2g fiber, 6.9g sugar, 1.9g protein.Nutrition (per serving with no walnuts or frosting): 61 calories, 4 calories from fat, less than 1g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 97.4mg sodium, 118.9mg potassium, 14.6g carbohydrates, 2.1g fiber, 6.9g sugar, 1.6g protein. 3 Weight Watchers Smart Points.