The ultimate brownie with a sneaky healthy twist—these Double Chocolate Chip Butternut Squash Brownies are as indulgent as they are surprising. Packed with rich cocoa, sweet coconut sugar, and melty chocolate chips, these brownies stay fudgy and moist thanks to pureed butternut squash.
Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, or just delicious dessert option, these brownies tick all the boxes. You’d never guess they’re hiding a whole vegetable inside! Perfect for impressing guests, packing into lunchboxes, or cozy nights with a warm drink—get ready to make this your new favorite way to bake with squash.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup pureed butternut squash*
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2 eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup coconut sugar**
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⅔ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk), plus more for topping
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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To make the butternut squash puree, peel and cube the squash, then boil it for about 10 minutes until fork-tender. Puree it in a food processor until smooth. Allow the puree to cool completely (refrigerating it helps).
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In one bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In another large bowl, mix the cooled squash puree, eggs, vanilla, and coconut sugar using a spoon or spatula (do not whisk).
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix again with a spatula until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
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Bake for 25–27 minutes. Let the brownies cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan before slicing.
*Pre-cut store-bought butternut squash works great, too.
**Brown sugar or white sugar can be substituted for coconut sugar.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: ~190 kcal per serving | Servings: 9 squares (from 8×8 pan)
A Brownie That’s Both Decadent and “Healthy-ish”
What sets this recipe apart from traditional brownie recipes is its ability to deliver all the classic richness and gooeyness of a chocolate brownie while incorporating healthier elements. Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, which gives this dessert a subtle health boost. While this recipe isn’t strictly low-calorie or sugar-free, it does cater to those looking for cleaner alternatives.
Coconut sugar is used instead of white sugar, which has a lower glycemic index and retains trace nutrients that are stripped from refined sugars. Additionally, the recipe allows for flexibility: you can make it gluten-free by swapping in an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend or dairy-free by choosing dairy-free chocolate chips. These options make the brownies more inclusive to those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Texture: The Heart of the Experience
One of the highlights of this brownie recipe is its texture. Thanks to the squash, the brownies remain incredibly moist and dense in the center, giving them that classic “ooey gooey” feel that true brownie lovers crave. This isn’t a cake-like brownie—it’s a rich, fudgy treat with a slightly chewy edge and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
The batter itself has a naturally darker, almost bittersweet chocolate flavor due to the cocoa powder, but it’s beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the chocolate chips. For even more indulgence, the recipe recommends sprinkling additional chips on top before baking, giving the finished product a glossy, chocolate-studded crust.
Why This Recipe is Foolproof
Another reason this recipe has become a go-to for so many is its simplicity. While it does involve preparing a squash puree (which can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge), the rest of the recipe comes together in minutes. Using basic pantry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, it’s a one-bowl mix that doesn’t require fancy techniques or equipment.
The key tip here is to ensure that the squash puree is completely cool before mixing. Adding it while it’s still warm can affect the rise and structure of the brownies, making them more flat than fudgy. Also, unlike many baked goods, you should avoid using a whisk. Mixing with a spoon or spatula helps preserve the dense, fudgy texture by preventing air pockets from forming.
Versatility for All Occasions
These butternut squash brownies are incredibly versatile. They’re suitable for potlucks, dinner parties, holidays, or even a casual weekday treat. Their unique ingredient makes them a conversation starter, and their rich chocolate flavor ensures they’ll be a crowd favorite.
This recipe is also easy to double if you’re feeding a larger group. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time accordingly. The brownies store well in an airtight container at room temperature and taste just as good, if not better, the next day.
And because they don’t taste “healthy” or vegetable-laden, they’re an excellent choice for kids. If you have picky eaters at home, this is a clever way to sneak some nutrition into their dessert without any fuss.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
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Use two types of chocolate chips: A mix of milk and semi-sweet chips gives the brownies a well-rounded sweetness and enhances the chocolate depth.
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Slightly underbake them: If you love ultra-gooey brownies, take them out of the oven on the early side (around 25 minutes). They’ll continue to cook as they cool, giving you that soft, fudgy middle.
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Don’t skip the parchment paper: It makes removal and clean-up much easier and ensures that the brownies lift cleanly from the pan.
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Customize to your liking: Want a crunch? Add some chopped walnuts or pecans. Prefer a darker chocolate experience? Use dark chocolate chunks. Craving a little spice? A dash of cinnamon or espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor even more.
A Dessert That Surprises and Delights
The best part about these brownies is the element of surprise. The butternut squash remains completely undetectable in taste, yet it plays a huge role in the finished product. When you serve them, you’ll often be met with wide-eyed reactions once you reveal the secret ingredient. They’re especially fun to share at family gatherings or office parties where no one expects a veggie to be the star of the show.
And if you don’t want to tell anyone what’s inside? That’s okay too. They’ll simply think you’ve mastered the art of the perfect fudgy brownie—no questions asked.
The Balance Between Indulgence and Wholesomeness
These brownies strike that elusive balance between indulgent and wholesome. They satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you the satisfaction of sneaking something a little more nourishing into your dessert. For anyone looking to make small but impactful swaps in their baking routine, this recipe offers a great stepping stone.
Whether you’re living a gluten-free lifestyle, avoiding refined sugars, or just looking for a new way to enjoy your fall squash bounty, these brownies deliver every single time. They’re a guilt-free treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture and are likely to become a staple in your seasonal baking rotation.
Conclusion
If you’re in search of a dessert that combines comfort, creativity, and just a touch of wholesome goodness, look no further than these Double Chocolate Chip Butternut Squash Brownies. They take a classic treat and elevate it with a secret ingredient that’s as nutritious as it is surprising. Moist, rich, and incredibly easy to make, these brownies have earned their place in the spotlight—not just for their taste but for their innovative use of ingredients.
From cozy fall nights to busy weekdays and festive gatherings, this brownie recipe proves that dessert can be both decadent and nourishing. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever made brownies any other way.