Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

I found this recipe from The Ambitious Kitchen.  I did not have applesauce, so substituted cranberry sauce and it worked out nicely.  I hope you like this as much as I do.  These brownies are very chocolately!!

Delicious chocolate chip packed zucchini oat brownies made without flour or butter! SO YUM!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup all natural unsalted peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
1/2 cup unsweetened natural applesauce or canned cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup gluten free oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan if desired), divided

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 8x11 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Place oats in blender or food processor and process until finely ground. Don't worry, it doesn't need to be perfect but it should take a few minutes. Set aside.
In a large bowl of electric mixer, cream together peanut butter, applesauce or cranberry, honey or agave and vanilla until smooth. Add in zucchini, cocoa powder, ground oats, baking soda, and salt; mix until well combined. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tooth pick inserted into middle comes out almost clean.
Cool brownies completely on wire rack then cut into 20 squares. I like to refrigerate these and then enjoy!  Either way, enjoy!