Sneaky Veggie Magic: Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Summer’s bounty meets sweet indulgence in this surprisingly moist chocolate zucchini bread that sneaks vegetables into a decadent treat.

zucchini adds incredible moisture and nutrition to this surprisingly rich dessert bread.

Dark cocoa powder creates an intense chocolate flavor that masks any hint of vegetable presence.

The recipe balances wholesome ingredients with pure deliciousness, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.

Dense and tender, each slice promises a delightful chocolate experience that happens to include a serving of vegetables.

You’ll love how effortlessly this bread comes together with simple pantry staples.

Dive into a slice and savor the unexpected harmony of chocolate and zucchini in every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 9

Tools That Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread Easy

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing dry ingredients, spacious and sturdy.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Rubber Spatula: Key for gently folding ingredients without overmixing.
• Digital Thermometer: Precise tool to check bread's internal temperature.
• Loaf Pan (8 1/2 by 4 1/2-inch): Light-colored metal pan for even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Helps easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Wire Rack: Crucial for cooling bread evenly after baking.
• Toothpick: Backup method to test bread's doneness.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread Directions – Start to Finish

• Zucchini Bread Preparation

Gather all ingredients and baking tools for a smooth chocolate zucchini bread adventure. Warm kitchen vibes help create magic with this delightful recipe.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a spacious bowl. Whisk until everything looks evenly combined and chocolatey.

• Wet Ingredient Harmony

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-integrated.

• Batter Creation

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Add shredded zucchini and chocolate chips, creating a rich, moist batter. Pour into a prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.

• Baking Magic

Place the loaf in a preheated oven. Bake until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The bread will smell incredible and look perfectly risen.

• Cooling and Storing

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let it rest completely. Wrap tightly and enjoy within two days or freeze for later.

Tips for Richer, More Moist Chocolate Zucchini Bread

• Squeeze excess water from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread and ensure perfect texture.
• Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an elevated flavor profile.
• Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans to add extra texture and a delightful nutty undertone to the bread.
• Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or ground espresso powder to complement the rich chocolate notes.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.

How to Serve Chocolate Zucchini Bread Anytime

• Pair with Morning Coffee: Create a cozy breakfast moment by serving a warm slice alongside a steaming cup of rich espresso or smooth cappuccino.
• Create Dessert Delight: Transform this bread into a decadent dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzling with warm chocolate ganache.
• Pack for Picnic Treat: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a delightful portable snack during outdoor adventures, perfect for hiking or beach trips.
• Enhance with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted chopped walnuts or pecans on top to add a delightful textural contrast and boost the bread's nutty undertones.

Storage Advice for Chocolate Zucchini Loaves

• Maximize Freshness: Wrap the cooled chocolate zucchini bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate and Extend: Store the bread in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, which helps preserve its texture and prevents potential spoilage from zucchini's moisture.
• Freeze for Later: Slice the bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between slices for easy separation. Wrap securely in freezer-safe bags or containers, lasting up to 1 month for quick snacking or unexpected guests.
• Quick Defrosting Tip: Thaw frozen bread slices at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or gently warm in a toaster oven to restore that fresh-baked taste and soft texture.

What Goes Into Chocolate Zucchini Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients together, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor, opt for unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper color and taste.
• Baking Soda: Creates light, airy texture by helping bread rise, ensure freshness by checking expiration date.

• Eggs, Sour Cream, Oil, Vanilla: Combine to create a moist, tender crumb with deep flavor complexity, use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Zucchini: Adds natural moisture and subtle vegetable nutrition, grate fresh zucchini and squeeze out excess water for best results.

• Sugar: Balances flavors and contributes to golden-brown crust, use granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: Provides bursts of decadent chocolate throughout the bread, choose high-quality semi-sweet chips for best melting properties.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Rich Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Moist chocolate zucchini bread delivers rich, fudgy goodness with hidden vegetable nutrition. Chocolate lovers savor this sweet quick bread that sneaks healthy ingredients into a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (188 g) grated zucchini
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
• 1 cup (127 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (128 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (114 g) full-fat sour cream or plain whole milk yogurt
• ½ cup (110 g) neutral oil
• ½ cup (43 g) natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 325°F (163°C) with rack positioned in middle. Line 8.5 by 4.5-inch light-colored metal loaf pan with parchment paper, creating slight overhang for effortless removal.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt in large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended and lump-free.
3. Wet Ingredient Emulsion: Vigorously whisk eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in separate bowl until smooth and perfectly integrated.
4. Batter Creation: Create well in center of dry ingredients, pour wet mixture into center. Gently fold using rubber spatula, mixing until just combined without overworking the batter.
5. Zucchini and Chocolate Integration: Fold grated zucchini and chocolate chips into batter, reserving small portion of chips for topping. Ensure even distribution of zucchini throughout mixture.
6. Pan Filling and Decoration: Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan, smoothing surface with spatula. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips across top for enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast.
7. Baking Process: Bake for 70-75 minutes, monitoring doneness via digital thermometer (target 200°F/93°C) or toothpick test – minimal crumbs indicate perfect consistency.
8. Cooling Protocol: Allow bread to rest in pan on wire cooling rack for 15 minutes, enabling proper setting and simplified removal.
9. Final Preparation: Lift bread using parchment paper overhang, transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze up to one month for extended enjoyment.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Gently squeeze excess liquid from grated zucchini to prevent soggy bread and maintain perfect texture.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution: Coat chocolate chips lightly in flour before adding to prevent sinking during baking, ensuring even chocolate throughout.
• Mixing Technique: Mix wet and dry ingredients minimally to avoid developing gluten, which could result in dense, tough bread.
• Temperature Control: Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to help set the structure and prevent crumbling, enhancing overall slice quality.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg