Chocolate Chip Zucchini Brownies

I've made these quite a few times. They aren't the gooey box brownie,it's more of a cake consistency. The baking time will produce either. Hint: Add chips and a small amount of the flour to a bag and shake. Keeps the chips from sinking to the bottom.


2 large eggs ( I always let the eggs come to room temp before I mix)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup applesauce ( you can use equal amount of vegetable oil or cooled melted butter if you prefer)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups shredded zucchini ( grated it on the smallest side grate of the box grater)
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the rack in the center of the oven

Line 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper so the paper hangs over the sides of the pan. I sprayed with nonstick spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, sugar, applesauce and salt until combined.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder and baking soda and mix until dry ingredients are dissolved and incorporated. The mixture will be thick.

Fold in grated zucchini so it's well mixed into the batter.

Add the chocolate chips and fold in.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap lightly on the edge of the counter to release any air bubbles.

Bake the brownies for 30-40 minutes at 350. The center is set when the center comes out clean.

Cool the brownies in the pan on a rack.