Chocolate Zucchini Bread: A Decadent and Moist Treat

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a rich, chocolatey treat while sneaking in some veggies, this Chocolate Zucchini Bread is the perfect recipe. The grated zucchini adds incredible moisture to the bread without altering the flavor, making it a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. With a tender crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and a scattering of chocolate chips, this bread is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar (or pure cane organic sugar)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Adjust your oven rack to the 2nd level position and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.

2. Prepare the Pans

Generously spray two bread loaf tins with a flour-based baking spray, or grease them with vegetable shortening and lightly flour the pans. For easier removal, you can also add a parchment paper sling. Set the pans aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a denser bread.

5. Incorporate Zucchini & Chocolate Chips

With a spoon, gently fold in the grated zucchini and 8 ounces of the chocolate chips. The zucchini adds moisture to the bread, while the chocolate chips give it a rich, decadent flavor.

6. Divide and Top the Batter

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared loaf tins. Sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate chips over the tops of the loaves. This creates a beautiful, chocolatey topping as the bread bakes.

7. Bake the Bread

Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.

8. Cool the Bread

Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 5-10 minutes before removing them. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove from the pans. Then, transfer the loaves to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: Makes 2 loaves
• Calories: 210 kcal per slice

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Zucchini Bread

• Don’t Drain the Zucchini: The moisture in the zucchini is key to achieving the bread’s soft and tender texture, so be sure to include all the liquid from the grated zucchini.
• Check for Doneness: Since baking times can vary depending on your oven and the moisture content in the zucchini, start checking the bread at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
• Use Quality Cocoa Powder: For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a delightful way to enjoy a treat that’s both indulgent and slightly healthier, thanks to the addition of zucchini. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, and it’s a great way to use up an abundance of zucchini from your garden. Moist, rich, and studded with chocolate chips, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

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