Chocolate chip zucchini bread is the perfect fusion of healthy and indulgent.
Imagine a soft, moist loaf brimming with the sweetness of chocolate chips and the subtle flavor of zucchini, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. This recipe combines the best of both worlds—sweet chocolate paired with the nourishing power of zucchini.
Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this bread, and it’s a great way to sneak in a serving of vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re a zucchini bread aficionado or a chocolate lover, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
There are so many reasons to love chocolate chip zucchini bread! First, it’s incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of zucchini, which keeps the bread soft and tender without feeling greasy.
The sweetness of the chocolate chips provides a rich contrast to the mild flavor of zucchini, creating a perfectly balanced loaf.
It’s versatile too—whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven with a cup of tea or as a breakfast on the go, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up zucchini from the garden or farmer’s market. The best part? It’s a sneaky way to get in some extra veggies, making it a more guilt-free indulgence.
Whether you add nuts for some crunch or keep it simple, chocolate chip zucchini bread is a treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
To make this delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create this sweet, moist treat:
- Zucchini: A medium-sized zucchini will be perfect for this recipe. Make sure to grate it finely and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the bread that gives it structure.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the zucchini and chocolate.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the bread, but you could also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and give the bread a tender texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender. You can also use melted butter if preferred.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma of the bread.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for this recipe, adding sweetness and melty goodness.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Tools You’ll Need for Baking Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Baking chocolate chip zucchini bread requires just a few essential tools to ensure a smooth process and perfect results:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls—one for mixing the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
- Whisk or Fork: A whisk is ideal for beating the eggs and mixing wet ingredients, but a fork works just as well.
- Grater: Use a box grater or a food processor to finely grate the zucchini. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the batter.
- Loaf Pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan is the perfect size for this recipe. A non-stick or greased pan will ensure the bread comes out easily.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurately measure out your ingredients for the best results.
- Spatula or Spoon: For folding the ingredients together without overmixing, a spatula works best.
- Cooling Rack: Let your bread cool properly by transferring it to a cooling rack once it’s out of the oven.
These basic tools will help you prepare and bake the chocolate chip zucchini bread with ease.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Making this moist and delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. Set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the Zucchini
Fold the grated zucchini into the wet ingredients. The zucchini adds moisture and flavor to the bread.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the bread dense.
Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly into the batter. If you’re using any optional add-ins like nuts, add them at this stage.
Pour into the Loaf Pan
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top of the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Storing:
If you have any leftover chocolate chip zucchini bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For extra freshness, you can wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or foil before storing it in a container. It’s best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing:
To freeze the bread, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the loaf at room temperature or heat slices in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also slice it before freezing for individual servings.
Nutritional Information for Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one slice (1/12 of the loaf) of chocolate chip zucchini bread:
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32gDietary Fiber: 1gSugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 2%
- Vitamin C: 2%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 6%
These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes. You can reduce sugar or use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, and even use sugar alternatives to lower the calorie count.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Chocolate chip zucchini bread is a sweet, satisfying treat that checks all the boxes: it’s moist, flavorful, and simple to make.
The combination of zucchini and chocolate not only adds moisture and texture but also makes this bread a sneakily nutritious dessert or snack.
Whether you’re using up extra zucchini from the garden or simply craving a comforting baked good, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
The best part? It’s versatile—you can add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or coconut, or enjoy it just as is.
Every bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and savory zucchini flavor, making it the perfect snack for any time of day.
Give it a try, and it will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make chocolate chip zucchini bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is suitable for baking.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
Can I add nuts to the bread?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or any other nuts you prefer will give the bread extra crunch and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the bread vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), and replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
How do I know when my zucchini bread is done?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil while it finishes baking.’
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Grater (for zucchini)
- 1 Whisk or Fork
- 1 spatula or spoon
- 1 Cooling Rack
- 1 measuring cup and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini grated
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Incorporate Zucchini
- Fold the grated zucchini into the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Add Chocolate Chips
- Fold in the chocolate chips (and any optional nuts).
Pour into the Loaf Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If needed, cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Zucchini moisture: Be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini. This prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Optional add-ins: You can customize this recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly before freezing.
- Egg substitutes: To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based oil.