Name: Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder (Dutch process or unsweetened); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1/4 cup canola oil (or melted coconut oil); 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)

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Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the moisture of zucchini. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables while satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making it a versatile choice for any time of day. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

How to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder (Dutch process or unsweetened)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
1/4 cup canola oil (or melted coconut oil)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
In a large bowl, mix eggs, melted butter, oil, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until smooth.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Add shredded zucchini and mix in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Chocolate Zucchini Bread is delicious when served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or spread it with butter or cream cheese for extra flavor. It pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or tea and makes for a wonderful snack throughout the day.

How to Store Chocolate Zucchini Bread

To keep your Chocolate Zucchini Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator when you are ready to enjoy again.

Tips to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini before adding it to the batter, so your bread isn’t too wet.
Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Feel free to add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture.

Variation

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Additionally, you could use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a deeper chocolate experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shredded zucchini. Just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the mix.

2. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread and use plant-based milk for moisture if needed.

3. How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet batter.