Chocolate Zucchini Bread

You won’t even realize there are veggies in this moist and fudgy Chocolate Zucchini Bread. The sweet rich chocolate flavor is out of this world.

Our grocery store had lots of zucchini so I grabbed a bunch to make some yummy zucchini recipes. I’ll be making a Chocolate Zucchini Cake soon, too. 

This Chocolate Zucchini Bread is so yummy. It’s my favorite way to sneak in veggies. Your kids will never know! My fiance had no idea there was fresh zucchini in it. He was all about the chocolate. I swear that guy lives on chocolate! He adored this decadent chocolate bread.

This recipe makes two loaves. You can eat one now and freeze the other one if you wish. I love an easy quick bread recipe.

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Matty and I were talking the other day about starting a garden this spring in our yard. I’ve never had a veggie garden before, but I think it would be nice to grow our own veggies and not have to rely on what is available at the grocery stores.

From what I’ve read about zucchini, it’s an easy vegetable to grow. I’m picturing all the zucchini bread I’ll be able to make with an abundance of zucchini.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Zucchini Bread

• Perfect way to use up extra zucchini
• Rich and deep chocolate flavor
• Yummy twist on classic zucchini bread for the summer months
• Easy recipe for new and experienced bakers alike
• Perfect recipe for chocolate lovers
• Great to freeze
• Makes two loaves that you can freeze for later or share with family and friends

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

You’ll need the following ingredients to prepare this yummy dessert bread.

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Large eggs
• Orange zest
• Grated zucchini
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips – Use whatever kind you prefer including semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.

How to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread

• Step One: Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease 2 9x 5 inch loaf pans and set aside.
• Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

• Step Three: In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in eggs, orange zest, zucchini, milk and vanilla.

• Step Four: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine. 

• Step Five: Pour batter evenly into each prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with chocolate chips.
• Step Six: Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Step Seven: Let each loaf cool on a wire rack before removing from loaf pans and slicing your baked loaf.

Equipment Needed

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• 9×5 inch loaf pans
• Sifter
• Hand mixer
• Zester
• Box grater

What to Serve with Chocolate Zucchini Bread

• Whipped cream – Top with a dollop of whipped cream or my homemade Cool Whip.
• Fresh fruit – Serve with some strawberries or raspberries.
• Ice cream – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a slice.
• Coffee or Hot chocolate – Try my Mocha Latte or Cinnamon Hot Chocolate.

Variations or Substitutions

• Swap out the granulated sugar for brown sugar or coconut sugar.
• Make it sugar-free by using maple syrup, honey, or unsweetened applesauce.
• Use vegetable oil or coconut oil in place of the butter.
• Use sour cream instead of milk.
• Try whole wheat flour or gluten-free flours instead of the all-purpose flour.
• Make a peanut butter chocolate bread by adding 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the recipe.
• To enhance the chocolate flavor, add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee.
• Add extra spices like nutmeg and/or ginger to make a spiced version.
• Include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
• Use salted butter, but you may need to adjust the salt in the recipe.
• Try mint extract instead of vanilla extract to make a chocolate mint version.

Storage Instructions

To store at room temperature, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It will keep for up to 2 days.

To keep the bread fresher for longer, store in the refrigerator, wrapped up or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Yes, you can! Bake according to the recipe and let the loaves cool completely. Then wrap it in freezer wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Recipe Tips

• Fresh is best. Use fresh zucchini for the best results. Zucchini that is too big or old may become too watery and affect the bread’s texture.
• Grate the zucchini as finely as possible. This way it will blend seamlessly in the batter. Be careful with your fingers grating though (been there, done that – ouch!)
• Squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini. After you’ve grated the zucchini, use a paper towel to squeeze out any excess water. This is important so your bread isn’t soggy.
• Use the best quality chocolate you can for the richest flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined and no dry flour remains. Ovemixing can cause the bread to be tough and dense.
• Don’t forget to grease the loaf pans. You can also line it with parchment paper instead. This way the bread won’t stick to the prepared pan.
• Don’t overbake. Overbaking means dry and tough bread. Use a cake tester or toothpick to test for doneness.
• Let it cool before slicing. It’s tempting to slice a piece off right away because it smells amazing. It’s best to wait till it’s cool so the bread doesn’t fall apart.

Why Is Zucchini Good to Bake With?

​You’ll often find zucchini in baking recipes and for great reasons!

• Zucchini has lots of moisture. This helps to keep the baked goods moist and tender.
• It’s a great way to add extra veggies. Zucchini is loaded in nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. Perfect for picky kids who hate veggies. I doubt they’ll even notice.
• Zucchini is mildly flavored. It won’t overpower the other ingredients and you’ll barely notice it’s there.
• It’s so versatile. You can use it in sweet and savory recipes from casseroles to cakes to breads and more.

FAQ

More Zucchini Recipes

Looking for more ways to use up your garden zucchini?

• Baked Zucchini
• Cheesy Zucchini Bake
• Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups
• Caramelized Onion, Red Pepper & Zucchini Frittata
• Lemon Zucchini Bread
• Zucchini Bread

You’ll also love Pumpkin Ribbon Bread, Strawberry Bread, Pineapple Cheese Bread, White Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread or Blueberry Bread. Try my Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.

What are your favourite recipes to make with zucchini?

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