Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Name: Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Granulated Sugar; 3 Large Eggs; 1 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 2 cups Grated Zucchini; 12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Published: July 26, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This recipe requires just one bowl, minimizing cleanup and making it perfect for busy bakers.
Moist and Flavorful: The zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist while adding a subtle sweetness without overpowering the chocolate.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a breakfast item or dessert; it’s delicious any time of day!
Gifting Made Simple: With two loaves, you can keep one for yourself and gift the other to a friend or neighbor.
Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or use different types of chocolate chips to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Loaf tins
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Loaf tins: These ensure your Chocolate Zucchini Bread bakes evenly and holds its shape.
Mixing bowls: A large bowl allows for easy mixing without spills while combining ingredients.
Whisk: Essential for incorporating air into your batter, resulting in lighter bread.
Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

Ingredients

To create this delectable Chocolate Zucchini Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Bread Mixture

2 cups Granulated Sugar (or Pure Cane Organic Sugar)
3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
2 cups Grated Zucchini (do not drain excess liquid; approximately 3 medium zucchinis)
12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (divided; 8 oz for the bread mixture, 4 oz for topping)

How to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Adjust the oven rack to the second level position and preheat your oven to 350ºF.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Tins

Generously spray two bread loaf tins with a flour-based baking spray or grease them with vegetable shortening and lightly flour. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Granulated sugar,
2. Eggs,
3. Vegetable oil,
4. Vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
– All-purpose flour,
– Unsweetened cocoa powder,
– Salt,
– Baking powder,
– Baking soda,
– Ground cinnamon,
– Ground nutmeg.

Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chips

With a spoon, stir in:
1. Grated zucchini,
2. 8 ounces of chocolate chips until evenly mixed.

Step 6: Pour Batter into Tins

Evenly divide the batter into the two prepared loaf tins. Top each loaf with the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate chips.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Cool the loaves in their pans for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread!

How to Serve Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Chocolate Zucchini Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there’s a perfect serving suggestion for everyone. Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your experience with this delicious treat.

With Cream Cheese Spread

Cream cheese spread adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread perfectly.

As a Breakfast Toast

Serve slices toasted with a pat of butter for a quick and satisfying breakfast option.

With Fresh Berries

Pairing chocolate zucchini bread with fresh berries creates a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Drizzled with Honey

A light drizzle of honey on top brings an extra touch of sweetness that elevates the bread’s taste.

Served Warm with Ice Cream

Warm slices topped with vanilla ice cream make for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

Accompanied by Nut Butter

Spread almond or peanut butter over your slices for added protein and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

How to Perfect Chocolate Zucchini Bread

To ensure your Chocolate Zucchini Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions will help you achieve that moist and flavorful loaf you’re aiming for.

Use Fresh Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini adds moisture and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread.
Do Not Drain Zucchini: Keeping the excess liquid from the grated zucchini contributes to the moist texture of the final product.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, resulting in an even bake.
Mix Gently: Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Stir until just combined for a lighter texture.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick test; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready to be taken out of the oven!

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Serving side dishes alongside your Chocolate Zucchini Bread can elevate your meal or snack time. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the bread.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light and healthy contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Cottage Cheese: High in protein, cottage cheese serves as a great side that complements the bread’s texture well.
Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious option offers a unique texture and pairs nicely with chocolate.
Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can make for a hearty breakfast when served alongside slices of chocolate zucchini bread.
Nut Mix: A simple mix of nuts provides crunch and healthy fats, creating a satisfying combination with each bite.
Herbal Tea: Enjoying a cup of herbal tea enhances relaxation and pairs beautifully with sweet treats like this bread.
Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl can provide vitamins and minerals while complementing the richness of chocolate zucchini bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls when making Chocolate Zucchini Bread and how to avoid them.

Incorrectly measuring ingredients: Always use the correct measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. This ensures the right texture and flavor.
Skipping the zucchini preparation: Do not drain the excess liquid from the grated zucchini. It adds moisture to the bread, keeping it deliciously soft.
Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread rather than a light and fluffy loaf.
Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350ºF before placing your loaves inside. This helps achieve even baking.
Ignoring cooling time: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for at least 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Chocolate Zucchini Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Frozen bread can last up to three months.

Reheating Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds, checking for desired warmth.
Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

How do I make my Chocolate Zucchini Bread healthier?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use less sugar by adjusting it according to your taste preference.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed and drained of excess water before adding it to your batter.

What’s the best way to store Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage, or freeze it for long-term keeping.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits like raisins for extra flavor and texture.

How do I know when my bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready!

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Zucchini Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a breakfast treat or dessert. You can customize it with various mix-ins like nuts or different chocolate types, making every bake unique. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy sharing one of these delightful loaves with friends!

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