Name: Zucchini Brownie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/2 cup softened butter; 1/2 cup brown rice syrup; 3 eggs; 1/2 coconut flour; 1/2 cup chopped dates (pits removed); 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut; 1 cup shredded zucchini; 1/4 cup whey protein (unsweetened, unflavored); 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla

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Wayfair invited me to share my ideal morning with readers, so let’s having a relaxing morning together and enjoy my Zucchini Brownie Recipe with Protein Powder!

An Ideal Morning on the Lake

So what does our ideal morning look like? That question really ties into some big life changes we’ve made in the last couple of years, since moving from a city with a population of nearly a million, to a rural municipality of only a couple thousand country-lovin’ folk. Our lives really changed – for the better!

Respecting Lake Time:

Since moving to the shore of Lake Superior, Hubby and I have learned to live life on “lake time”: when the weather is good, you enjoy it! When we “schedule” free time, the lake might not be as welcoming! The weather can turn in an instant here. One minute it’s sunny, the next minute a storm rolls in. So we’ve been known to drop our rakes and lawn mower in the summer and hop in the lake, mid-task, for a swim. In the colder months, we still try to appreciate the lake as much as we can. I try to pause every evening to catch the sunset. You don’t even need a lake for that habit. Respecting lake time has encouraged us to really live a little more in the moment. We slow down and appreciate nature more, now.

Relishing Lazy Mornings:

Neither Hubby nor I work a traditional 9-5 job. Hubby’s unusual work schedule means that we only get to enjoy meals together for half the year, so I savor the moments when we can be together. So my ideal morning is a slow and lazy one! Lake time has taught me to live in the moment and to appreciate those small moments. We’re not guaranteed time later. In the winter and spring we love to curl up inside, with a fire roaring, but soon we’ll be having breakfast on the deck and I can’t wait! In the summer we often grab our plates and head out there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love padding outside in my slippers and pajamas first thing, clutching a hot mug of tea, while the lake is still quiet and the air is crisp. As someone who always had too many goals, piles and piles of to-do list, and this sense of never doing enough, doing nothing has proven to be very liberating!

I’ve stopped feeling guilty about reading a magazine when the house is messy, or enjoying some quiet time when I should be busy – which is a major change for a type-A person like me! Now I look for opportunities, throughout the day, to enjoy the lake. I never know when I might spot an otter gliding across the ice – or a neighbor skiing!

Even Szuka sweetie appreciates, and is captivated by, the lake view! She spends a lot of her day staring adorably out the window. Sometimes she’s on guard, but other times I swear she’s just blissed out, taking it all in.

Easy Zucchini Brownie Recipe with Protein Powder

Our new approach to slow(er) living has manifested itself in what we eat, too. I definitely still indulge (mmmm, matcha shortbread!) but both Hubs and I have upped our daily veggies, reduced our sugar consumption, and have just tried to eat healthier lately. This grain-free, protein brownie recipe, made with wholesome ingredients like coconut flour, zucchini, shredded coconut and cocoa powder, is a perfect treat for slow mornings. The only hint of sweetness is from the brown rice syrup and chopped dates. There’s also some whey protein powder hidden in there and, with healthy ingredients like those listed below, I feel completely justified in eating this for breakfast once in awhile! This zucchini brownie recipe is delicious, filling, and so moist.

Ingredients for Zucchini Brownie Recipe:

1/2 cup softened butter*
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
3 eggs
1/2 coconut flour
1/2 cup chopped dates (pits removed)
1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
1 cup shredded zucchini
1/4 cup whey protein(unsweetened, unflavored)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

*This healthier brownie recipe would definitely work with only 1/4 cup butter or with a dairy-free substitute, like coconut oil.

Instructions for Baking My Zucchini Brownie with Protein Powder Recipe:

Sift the protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt, and set aside – don’t skip this step because it keeps the protein powder and coconut flour from globbing together into lumps.
Beat the butter and brown rice syrup with a hand mixer until creamy.
Whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
Gently stir in the sifted dry ingredients, combining thoroughly.
Mix in the shredded coconut, dates and zucchini until well combined.
Spread batter into a greased, 8″ x 8″ pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
Let cool 5-10 minutes.
Enjoy!