Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Who knew that zucchini and chocolate could make such a perfect pair? This Chocolate Zucchini Bread is everything you love about a rich, decadent loaf of bread—moist, fudgy, and perfectly spiced—while secretly hiding a bit of veggies for extra goodness! The zucchini blends in so smoothly, you won’t even notice it’s there (but trust me, it makes the bread super moist and tender). Plus, the chocolate chunks or chips scattered throughout make every bite a delightful, sweet treat. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, this bread will quickly become a favorite that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Ready to dive into this delightful recipe?

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This isn’t just another zucchini bread—this one is packed with chocolate and goodness that’ll have you coming back for more:

Moist and Fudgy

The zucchini does wonders for the texture, making the bread incredibly moist without it being too dense. It’s like a chocolate cake disguised as bread.

Chocolatey Bliss

The chunks or chips of melted chocolate throughout the bread make every bite a gooey, indulgent moment.

Hidden Veggies

Shh, don’t tell the kids! You’ll be sneaking in some veggies while still indulging in that sweet, chocolatey goodness. It’s a win-win!

Versatile and Easy

You don’t need fancy equipment or techniques for this recipe—just a bowl and a spatula! It’s simple, quick, and perfect for when you need a sweet treat but want to keep things easy.

Healthy-ish Indulgence

With the zucchini adding moisture, you’ll find that you need less sugar and butter, making it a slightly lighter option than your typical chocolate bread. So you can feel just a little bit better about indulging!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this decadent loaf of Chocolate Zucchini Bread!

For the Bread:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread, giving it structure and a light crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: For that rich, chocolatey flavor that makes this bread irresistible.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Sugar: A mix of white and brown sugar helps give the bread the right balance of sweetness and moisture.
• Eggs: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and a soft texture to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: For a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Zucchini: Grated zucchini gives the bread its moist texture—don’t worry, you won’t taste it, but it does all the magic!
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks: The star of the show—add as much or as little as you want for a delicious chocolatey bite.

(Note: Full measurements are in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how you’re going to bring that Chocolate Zucchini Bread to life:

Prepare the Zucchini:

1. Grate the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini finely using a box grater or food processor. You’ll want to squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to keep the bread from being too soggy. Set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Once they’re fully combined, stir in the grated zucchini. The zucchini will add moisture to the mixture and make it come together beautifully.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

4. Combine the Two: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the bread might turn out dense.

Add the Chocolate:

5. Stir in the Chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks. You can use any type of chocolate you prefer—dark, milk, or semi-sweet—depending on how chocolatey you like your bread.

Bake:

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan (9×5-inch) or line it with parchment paper.
7. Pour into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake the Bread: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet). Every oven is different, so start checking around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Cool and Serve:

9. Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy!

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Slice and Serve: Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this Chocolate Zucchini Bread is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 240
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a treat that can be served in so many ways:

• Warm with Butter: Serve warm, with a pat of butter melting on top. So comforting!
• With a Cup of Coffee: It’s the perfect snack to pair with your morning coffee or tea.
• As Dessert: Drizzle some melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar on top to elevate it as a dessert.
• With Ice Cream: This bread makes an amazing base for a sundae. Top it with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence.

Additional Tips

• Use Zucchini Skin: Don’t bother peeling the zucchini—leave the skin on for extra nutrients and color.
• Don’t Skip Squeezing the Zucchini: Squeezing out the moisture from the zucchini helps keep the bread from becoming soggy. You want the bread to have a nice, moist texture without being too wet.
• Customize the Chocolate: Add extra mix-ins like walnuts or pecans if you want a little crunch, or try using mini chocolate chips for more pockets of chocolate throughout the bread.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture and added fiber.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. Make sure to also add xanthan gum if your flour blend requires it.

Q3: How do I store the bread?
A3: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze slices in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I use zucchini from the garden?
A4: Absolutely! Fresh, homegrown zucchini works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture.

Q5: Can I freeze this bread?
A5: Yes! To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Q6: How can I make this bread healthier?
A6: You can reduce the sugar slightly, use whole wheat flour, and opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a healthier twist.

Q7: Can I make this bread without eggs?
A7: Yes, you can use flax eggs or another egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Q8: How do I know when the bread is done?
A8: Check with a toothpick—when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (but not wet batter), the bread is done.

Q9: Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
A9: Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried cranberries or raisins for a fun twist.

Q10: Can I use melted butter instead of oil?
A10: Yes, you can substitute melted butter for oil in this recipe for an even richer flavor.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a perfect balance of indulgent chocolate flavor and the sneaky goodness of zucchini. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee, this bread will surely hit the spot. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and full of hidden veggie goodness—what’s not to love? Go ahead, grab that zucchini, and start baking this irresistible treat!

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