HEART SHAPED BROWNIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING & HIDDEN VEGGIES
5/5
Valentine’s Day (and week for many) is upon us, and that means one thing: showering our kiddos with sweet treats and heartfelt gestures. But let’s be honest, sometimes those heart-shaped cookies and sugary candies are less than ideal for our familys’ health goals. This year, let’s bake with love and a sneaky sprinkle of nutrition with my “Heart-Shaped Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Hidden Veggies.”
A Nutritious Secret
Yes, you read that right! These adorable, heart-shaped brownies hold a delightful secret: nutritious zucchini. Don’t worry! Pureed to a smooth consistency, your little ones won’t even suspect a thing as they savor the rich chocolatey flavor and creamy frosting.
Once steamed and pureed, zucchini is like a blank canvas both with taste and texture, and is a great accompaniment to baked goods, especially chocolate. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some vitamin B6 goodness without sacrificing decadence.
Bite Size Memories
This recipe isn’t just about hidden veggies, though. It’s about creating sweet memories through baking. Imagine gathering your family around the kitchen, laughing as you mix batter, frosting, and a touch of magic (zucchini!). Slip into a groove of fun, laughter and love with your little ones this Valentine’s Day.
Carve the brownies with a heart-shaped cookie cutter, pipe or spread colorful cream cheese frosting and decorate with sprinkles. Finally, the unveiling: adorable heart-shaped brownies, perfect for sharing and celebrating love.
The Win Win
But the story doesn’t end there. Each bite reveals a delicious surprise – the subtle sweetness of hidden veggies, adding a layer of nutrition that makes you feel good about indulging.
It’s a win-win situation: a treat that’s both delicious and guilt-free, a day filled with bonding memories, and perfect for showing your loved ones you care about their health as much as their happiness.
The Invitation
This Valentine’s Day, let’s ditch the predictable and embrace the fun! Bake up a batch of these brownies and watch smiles bloom alongside delicious memories.
Follow the full recipe below, complete with tips and tricks to ensure your brownies are both adorable and veggie-packed. Remember, love is in the air, and it can definitely be in the oven too!
Heart Shaped Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Hidden Veggies
Surprise your loved ones with these festive brownies that are not only delicious, but also pack a hidden veggie punch! Made with a blend of chocolate, creamy butter, and pureed zucchini, these brownies are piped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. They're the perfect balance of sweet and nutritious, making them a guilt-free indulgence for any occasion. So why not bake up a batch and share the love (and some extra nutrients) with your little ones?
Equipment
- 8x8 pan
- Parchment Paper
- heart shaped cookie cutter (or shape of choice) optional
- Standing mixer
- 3 Piping Bags optional
- 3 Piping tips (pick your favorites!) optional
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 12 oz. pureed zucchini
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 of a stick), softened to room temp
- Pinch of Salt
- Splash of milk, as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Food coloring (I used red, purple, and pink) optional
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
Bake the Brownies
- Preheat oven to 325°F (150°C) and grease a 8x8 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pureed zucchini, melted butter, sugars, and egg until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix!
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into heart shapes.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Using the standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter for 2-3 minutes until light in color.
- Add the cream cheese and mix for another 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar in stages with the mixer on low and drizzle in milk if it becomes too thick. Add the vanilla.
Optional
- Split the frosting into 3 bowls and mix with food coloring in each separate bowl.
- Pick out your favorite piping tips and bags and spoon each colored frosting into its own piping bag.
- Decorate the brownies with the frosting, sprinkles and enjoy!
Alternative Decorating Options
- If not into the skip to spreading onto the brownies with a spoon, knife or offset spatula.
- Get the kiddos involved, and have fun decorating!
Notes
Freeze the extra brownie scraps (or store in the fridge) and save for brownie cake pops!
If the zucchini is having a hard time pureeing in the food processor or blender, add a tablespoon of any oil you desire or even a tablespoon of the melting butter from the recipe.
For chewier brownies, bake for 20 minutes. For fudgier brownies, bake for 25 minutes.
Top your brownies with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra decadence.
Want to add a twist? Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter or Nutella to the batter for a delicious swirl.
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for longer storage (just freeze without the frosting and decorate once defrosted and ready to eat).
