10 Creative Ways to Bake With Zucchini Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Diet & Nutrition 10 Delicious Recipes to Bake With Zucchini Move over, bananas. Zucchini, which stands out for its mild flavor and sterling nutrient profile, is the star of these baked goods. By Lauren BedoskyMedically Reviewed by Kelly Kennedy, RDNReviewed: December 17, 2020Medically Reviewed Ditch flour and add zucchini to your brownies for a nutritious gluten-free treat Ina Peters/StocksyZucchini may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of baking, but considering its versatility and health benefits, this fruit is worth your consideration. “Using zucchini when baking is an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrients, especially if your kids don’t love green veggies,” says Mascha Davis, MPH, RDN, the Los Angeles–based author of Eat Your Vitamins. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one large zucchini provides 55 calories, 4 grams (g) of protein, 1 g of fat, 10 g of carbohydrates, and 3.2 g of fiber, making it a good source. It is also a good source of potassium and an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C. Thanks to its mild flavor, zucchini works in both sweet and savory dishes, while its high water content adds moisture to desserts such as muffins and brownies. “Zucchini can also take the place of noodles in traditional pasta bakes for a low-carbohydrate swap,” says Rachel Helfferich, RDN, a nutrition coach in Chicago. Simply use a spiralizer to create “zoodles,” or cut the zucchini into strips. “The possibilities are endless,” Helfferich says. RELATED: 7 Fruits and Veggies You Haven’t Spiralized — Yet Next time you’re in the mood to bake, grab a zucchini and try one of these recipes.378 Healthy Zucchini Muffins Bowl of DeliciousThese muffins from Bowl of Delicious are made with whole grains, olive oil, honey, Greek yogurt, a variety of spices, and 4 cups of grated zucchini. “The whole grains give this recipe a boost in fiber for more staying power,” Helfferich says. Meanwhile, using olive oil in place of butter helps cut back on saturated fat, she adds. One muffin packs 223 calories, 28 g of carbs, 5 g of protein, 10 g of fat (1 g of saturated fat), and 2 g of fiber. RELATED: 9 Healthy Alternatives to ButterGet the Recipe379 Flourless Peanut Butter Carrot Zucchini Cookies The Natural NurturerFor a healthier treat, go for these cookies from The Natural Nurturer. “These flourless peanut butter zucchini cookies are easy to prepare, with only seven ingredients, and contain healthy fats from the flaxseed, plus vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron,” Davis says. One cookie provides 130 calories, 12 g of carbs, 5 g of protein, 7 g of fat (2 g of saturated fat), 2 g of fiber, and only 6 g of sugar. RELATED: 10 Recipes Peanut Butter Lovers Won’t Be Able to ResistGet the Recipe380 Healthy Summer Squash Casserole Evolving Table“This summer squash casserole is a perfect low-calorie, gluten-free side dish with an added boost of vitamin C and fiber,” Davis says. It’s packed with zucchini and yellow summer squash, and topped with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. One serving (six servings in the full recipe) of this casserole from Evolving Table offers 112 calories, 8 g of fat (2 g of saturated fat), 8 g of carbs, 2 g of fiber (7 percent of the daily value, or DV), 27.4 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C (30.4 percent of the DV), and 4 g of protein.Get the Recipe381 Applesauce Zucchini Bread Lovely Little KitchenThis zucchini bread recipe from Lovely Little Kitchen uses applesauce and avocado oil to cut back on the sugar and unhealthy fat content. Plus, the avocado oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, Davis says. These fats help to increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol in the body, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. One slice (six servings per loaf) provides about 160 calories, 5 g of fat (less than 1 g of saturated fat), 26 g of carbs, 3 g of protein, 13 g of sugar, and nearly 1 g of fiber. RELATED: 8 Ways to Raise HDL CholesterolGet the Recipe382 Baked Parmesan Zucchini Damn DeliciousFor an easy, healthy side dish, try this recipe from Damn Delicious. Simply combine zucchini spears with Parmesan, herbs, and olive oil, and broil until crispy. “These Parmesan zucchini sticks are a great low-carb side dish that have an added protein boost from the cheese,” Davis says. Plus, broiling is a healthier way to crisp up foods than frying, Helfferich says. One quarter of the recipe provides 151 calories, 11 g of fat (3.4 g of saturated fat), 7 g of carbs, 2 g of fiber, and 8 g of protein. RELATED: 10 Best and Worst Cheeses on the Keto DietGet the Recipe383 Flourless Zucchini Brownies Kirbie’s CravingsThese fudgy, chocolaty brownies from Kirbie’s Cravings are flourless, making them a great option for people who need gluten-free treats. You’ll get a small amount of protein and healthy fats from the almond butter, vitamin C from the zucchini, and potassium from the banana, Davis says. These brownies are also lower in sugar compared to traditional brownies, as they’re lightly sweetened with honey and mashed banana, according to Helfferich. One brownie (the recipe makes 12) contains 202 calories, 24 g of carbs, 5 g of protein, 12 g of fat (4.4 g of saturated fat), 3.7 g of fiber, and 18.4 g of sugar. RELATED: 9 Things You Probably Never Knew About BananasGet the Recipe384 Keto Zucchini Bread Whoopie Pies Clean Keto LifestyleFor a creative, low-carb take on a classic treat, try these whoopie pies from Clean Keto Lifestyle. These are made with zucchini bread in place of chocolate cookies and are layered with keto cream cheese frosting. Because they’re high in fat and very low in carbs, they’re allowed on the ketogenic diet, a popular eating approach that is commonly used for weight loss, but they may not be a fit for other healthy eating patterns. Each cookie provides 216 calories, 5 g of carbs, 4 g of protein, 20 g of fat (11 g of saturated fat), 2 g of fiber, and only 1 g of sugar. RELATED: 10 Surprisingly Keto-Friendly Dessert RecipesGet the Recipe385 Easy Zucchini Egg Bake Bless This MessWith only three ingredients — zucchini, onion, and eggs — this recipe from Bless This Mess is a simple yet filling breakfast option. “The eggs make this a high-protein breakfast choice to start the day,” Helfferich says. Plus, the egg bake is easy to customize — simply add your favorite meat or cheese for extra fat and protein, or toss in more veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms. “Egg bakes can also be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick breakfast on busy mornings,” Helfferich says. One quarter of this egg bake provides 170 calories, 10 g of fat, 6 g of carbs, and 14 g of protein. RELATED: How to Eat Eggs for Any MealGet the Recipe386 Spinach and Zucchini Lasagna Primavera KitchenMade with zucchini noodles in place of wheat ones, this lasagna from Primavera Kitchen is both low carb and gluten-free. The dish features standard tomato sauce, egg for protein, and part-skim cheese for lower fat content. It also includes a whopping 3 cups of spinach for extra micronutrients, like vitamin K. Just 1 cup of raw spinach offers 145 micrograms (121 percent of the DV) of vitamin K, a family of compounds that play a role in blood clotting and bone health, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One serving (out of the nine the dish makes) offers 223 calories, 12 g of fat, 11 g of carbs, and 19 g of protein.Get the Recipe387 Greek Zucchini Pie Kolokithopita Eating EuropeanThis Greek dish from Eating European combines zucchini, onions, herbs, eggs, and feta, all wrapped in phyllo dough. The flaky pie is ideal for a light, plant-based meal. You’ll also get 28.6 mg of vitamin C (32 percent of your DV), an antioxidant that plays an important role in immune function, according to the NIH. Just be sure to enjoy this dish in moderation, more as a treat than a main course, due to its high saturated fat. One serving (there are eight total) has 324 calories, 22 g of carbs, 9 g of protein, 22 g of fat (6 g of saturated fat), and 2 g of fiber. 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