This Moist Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a tasty treat that turns healthy zucchini into something sweet and delicious! It’s rich in chocolate flavor, making it hard to resist.
Honestly, who knew sneaking in veggies could be this fun? I love having a slice for breakfast or an afternoon snack—it feels like a little dessert that’s still got some green goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this recipe! Grated zucchini keeps the bread moist. If you can’t find zucchini, you might substitute with finely grated carrots for a similar texture, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the bread its rich chocolate flavor. You could use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste, but keep in mind it can alter the texture slightly depending on pH levels in the recipe.
Flour: All-purpose flour is what I recommend, but for a healthier twist, you could use whole wheat flour. Just know it might change the bread’s texture to be denser.
Oils: I usually prefer vegetable oil for moistness, but melted coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor that can be delightful. If you’re looking for lighter options, applesauce can also substitute for oil, though it may alter the taste.
Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet are standard, you could opt for dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips based on your taste. I love adding a mix of different chocolates for extra flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Is Moist?
To get that moist texture, focus on two key steps: properly preparing the zucchini and mixing the batter just right.
- First, squeeze out some of the excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel. This helps avoid too much liquid in your batter.
- When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Mix just until everything is combined—this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. The bread is done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean!
Moist Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Time Estimate:
This delicious chocolate zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 55-65 minutes to bake, and then an additional 15 minutes to cool in the pan. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
First, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust it with flour. This will help your bread come out smoothly!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk them together until they are nicely blended. This step is crucial as it helps ensure an even rise while baking.
3. Beating the Eggs and Sugar:
In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This adds sweetness and lightness to your bread.
4. Adding Oil and Flavor:
Next, pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the egg-sugar mixture, mixing well until combined. This will keep your bread moist and flavorful!
5. Incorporating the Zucchini:
Add the grated zucchini to your wet ingredients and stir it in until it’s evenly distributed. This zucchini will give your bread that lovely moisture.
6. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix or your bread may be tough!
7. Adding Chocolate Chips:
If you’re feeling extra chocolaty, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips now. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for even more deliciousness!
8. Baking the Bread:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven to bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure it cools fully before slicing; it’ll be much easier!
10. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice your moist chocolate zucchini bread and serve it up. Enjoy every bite of this rich, chocolatey treat!
This recipe yields a moist, tender loaf with a deep chocolate flavor balanced by the subtle moisture of the zucchini. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
FAQ for Moist Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute the Zucchini?
Yes! If you can’t find zucchini, finely grated carrots can work as a substitute. You’ll still get moisture, but the flavor will be different. Make sure to measure the grated vegetables the same way!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious bread!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits like raisins. Just be mindful that additional ingredients might slightly change the baking time, so keep an eye on it!
These tips should help you with any questions you might have while making your delicious chocolate zucchini bread!
