9 delicious zucchini dessert recipes

Have you ever wondered if zucchini was a fruit or a vegetable? The answer is kind of both. Botanically, zucchini is considered a fruit, but from a culinary standpoint, it’s most often prepared in the same manner as a vegetable.

That’s why so many people find it shocking to know that zucchinis can actually be used in dessert recipes. But it’s true: This summer fruit can actually play a starring role in many sweet after-dinner treats.

Here are nine dessert recipes that feature the heart-healthy, potassium-rich zucchini:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake

This coffee cake recipe from Pinch of Yum is made with zucchinis, buttermilk, brown sugar and vanilla. It’s perfect for dessert or with a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning. Best of all, you won’t have to feel guilty indulging in this sweet treat as it’s only 250 calories a serving.

2. Zucchini-Chip Sour Cream Ice Cream

This recipe from Floating Kitchen sounds like something out of a five-star restaurant, but rest assured it is straightforward and simple. Made with sour cream, heavy cream, zucchini and an optional tablespoon of vodka, this is grown-up ice cream for people who are serious about flavor.

3. Spiced Zucchini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cupcakes that are healthy? No, you aren’t dreaming. These cupcakes from Cooking Classy are made with zucchini and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. Then, these beauties are topped with a cream cheese frosting lightly flavored with vanilla. Yum!

4. Zucchini Roll

With autumn approaching, it’s almost time for all things pumpkin, including the always delicious pumpkin roll. But with this recipe from Sugar Spun Run, you can elevate this classic fall recipe with the flavor of zucchini.

5. Zucchini Cookies With Chocolate Chips And Dried Cranberries

Here’s a cookie you can feel good about feeding your family. Made with shredded zucchini, oats, dried cranberries and chocolate chips, this cookie is fresh and filling. Find the recipe here on Two Peas And Their Pod.

6. Low-Carb Zucchini Muffins

Are you counting carbs and following the keto diet? If so, these keto-friendly zucchini muffins are going to become your new favorite sweet treat. Made with coconut flour, zucchini, coffee, cocoa powder and sugar-free chocolate chips, these low-carb muffins will make it easy for you to stick to your keto diet. Read more at Low Carb Maven.

7. Zucchini Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars

This sweet recipe for Zucchini Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars is dairy-free and packed with whole-grain nutrients. Made with brown sugar, oats, pecans, bittersweet chocolate chips and, of course, zucchini, these bars work for dessert, snack time or even a decadent breakfast. Find the recipe on King Arthur Flour.

8. Almond Butter Zucchini Bars

This recipe is made with just a few simple, wholesome ingredients: almond butter, maple syrup, zucchini, one egg and a few spices. That’s all there is to it, yet this awesome recipe from Hummusapien is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

9. Mock Apple Crumb Pie (Made With Zucchini)

This recipe from A Family Feast is called “mock apple crumb pie” because it’s actually made with — you guessed it — zucchini! Made with zucchini, lemon and brown sugar and spiced with a cinnamon-sugar crumb topping, this mock-apple pie may have you ditching the Honeycrisps for good.

Looking for more ways to incorporate zucchini into your diet? Check out these sweet and savory recipe ideas for all your fresh zucchini.