Chocolate zucchini bread is a delightful way to sneak some veggies into a sweet treat that everyone will love. It’s rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chocolate zucchini bread, this guide will walk you through an easy, foolproof recipe with tips to get it just right.
Why Chocolate Zucchini Bread?
Zucchini adds moisture and subtle texture without overpowering the chocolate flavor. It’s a great way to use up an abundance of zucchini, especially in summer, and the chocolate chips add gooey pockets of sweetness throughout the bread. Plus, it’s simple to make and freezes well, so you can enjoy it anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process works great)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
– 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (with peel on, no need to dry)
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, oil, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until smooth. It’s okay if some brown sugar clumps remain.
- Bring it all together. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently—don’t overmix. Fold in the shredded zucchini and 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips until just combined.
- Fill the pan and top. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, though a few melted chocolate chips on the toothpick are fine.
- Cool and serve. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and transfer to a wire rack to cool until slightly warm. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Zucchini Bread
– Use fresh zucchini: Grate it finely with the peel on for color and moisture. No need to squeeze out the liquid; it keeps the bread moist.
– Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined to avoid dense bread.
– Room temperature eggs: This helps the batter mix more evenly.
– Chocolate chips: Dividing them between the batter and the top gives gooey bites inside and a nice chocolate crust on top.
– Storage: Wrap the bread tightly and keep it on the counter for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month. Thaw completely before slicing.
Variations to Try
– Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder for a flavor twist.
– Swap some all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier taste.
– Mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
– Use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of butter/oil for extra moistness.
Why This Recipe Works
This chocolate zucchini bread balances rich cocoa with the natural moisture of zucchini, resulting in a tender crumb that’s not too dense or dry. The combination of melted butter and oil ensures a soft texture, while brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note. The chocolate chips melt into pockets of sweetness that make each bite irresistible.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting chocolate treat with a sneaky vegetable boost.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate zucchini bread warm with a pat of butter or simply on its own. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any time of day!
Chocolate zucchini bread is a delicious way to combine healthy veggies with indulgent chocolate in a moist, flavorful loaf that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and wholesome!