Introduction to Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Oh, my dear friends!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of something sweet baking in my kitchen.
And when it comes to quick breads, this chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is truly a superstar!
I remember discovering it on a particularly hectic Tuesday.
My garden was overflowing with zucchini, and my sweet tooth was calling.
This recipe became my secret weapon.
It’s a perfect solution for those busy days.
You can whip it up quickly.
It’s also a delightful treat.
It satisfies both your craving for something comforting and your desire to use up that garden bounty.
Trust me, your family will absolutely adore it.
It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
You are going to absolutely adore this chocolate chip zucchini bread, I promise!
It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy schedules.
The flavor is simply divine, rich with chocolate.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies.
My family devours it every time.
It’s truly a comforting, wholesome treat.
You really can’t go wrong with it.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Gathering your ingredients is the first step.
It’s like setting the stage for a delicious show!
You’ll need some all-purpose flour.
This forms the base of our scrumptious bread.
Then, unsweetened natural cocoa powder comes in.
This gives it that rich, chocolatey goodness we all love.
Don’t forget baking soda and baking powder.
These are our leavening agents, making the bread rise beautifully.
A little salt balances everything out.
Espresso powder is a secret weapon here.
It deepens the chocolate flavor, truly magical!
Of course, semi-sweet chocolate chips are a must.
Because, well, it’s chocolate chip zucchini bread!
For the wet ingredients, you’ll need large eggs.
They bind everything together perfectly.
Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil adds moisture.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream also adds amazing richness.
Granulated sugar provides the sweetness.
Pure vanilla extract elevates all the flavors.
And finally, our star: shredded zucchini!
It keeps the bread wonderfully moist.
You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient further down the page.
They’re also available in a printable format for your convenience!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Now, let’s get to the fun part!
Making this incredible chocolate chip zucchini bread is super simple.
Just follow these easy steps.
You’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven.
Set it to 350°F (177°C) right away.
Then, grab your loaf pan.
I use a 9×5-inch one, but an 8×4-inch works for a taller loaf.
Grease it well with nonstick spray.
This prevents sticking, making removal easy.
Set it aside for now.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients.
This includes the flour and cocoa powder.
Add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt too.
Don’t forget that magical espresso powder!
Whisk until everything is perfectly combined.
Then, stir in those lovely semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Set this bowl aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, in a separate medium bowl, let’s mix the wet ingredients.
Crack in your large eggs.
Add the oil, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and granulated sugar.
Pour in the pure vanilla extract.
Whisk these together until they are well combined.
It should be smooth and uniform.
Bring It All Together
Time to combine the wet and dry mixtures.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones.
Gently whisk them until just combined.
Don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Finally, fold in the shredded zucchini.
The batter will be quite thick, which is normal.
Bake to Perfection
Pour your thick batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spread it evenly in the pan.
Bake for about 45–55 minutes.
Around halfway through, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil.
This prevents the top from getting too dark.
The chocolate chip zucchini bread is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
A few moist crumbs are okay.
Remember, ovens vary, so check it around 45 minutes.
Cooling Your Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven.
Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for one hour.
While still warm, I sometimes press extra chocolate chips on top.
It makes it look extra pretty!
After an hour, take the bread out of the pan.
Place the loaf directly on the wire rack.
Let it cool completely before slicing.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your chocolate chip zucchini bread fresh, cover it.
Store it at room temperature for up to five days.
You can also keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
It stays wonderfully moist and delicious!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix your batter; gentle is best.
- Always preheat your oven properly.
- Use quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Cover the loaf with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Let your chocolate chip zucchini bread cool completely before slicing.
- A little espresso powder really boosts the chocolate!
- Don’t squeeze the zucchini; its moisture is key.
Equipment Needed
- A large mixing bowl is essential.
- You’ll need a medium mixing bowl too.
- A whisk works wonders for combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons are a must.
- A 9×5-inch loaf pan is perfect.
- An 8×4-inch pan gives a taller loaf.
- Parchment paper can line your pan.
- A wire rack helps with cooling.
- A grater for the zucchini is handy.
- A rubber spatula is great for folding.
Variations
One of the joys of baking is experimenting!
This chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is super versatile.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Want a gluten-free option?
It’s totally doable, my friends!
Simply swap out the all-purpose flour.
Use a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead.
Make sure it contains xanthan gum.
The texture will be wonderfully similar.
Your gluten-free friends will thank you!
Nutty Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Love a little crunch in your bread?
I certainly do sometimes!
Fold in about half a cup of chopped nuts.
Walnuts or pecans are absolutely delicious choices.
They add a lovely texture and earthy flavor.
It’s a delightful twist on the classic.
Dairy-Free Options
Making this dairy-free is quite simple.
Just use a plant-based oil like coconut oil.
Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free too.
Many brands offer excellent dairy-free versions.
Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free plain yogurt.
Almond or oat-based yogurts work beautifully.
You can still enjoy this moist chocolate chip zucchini bread!
Serving Suggestions
- A warm slice is perfect on its own.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream is divine.
- Pair it with a hot cup of coffee.
- It’s lovely with a glass of cold milk.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.
- Enjoy it as a delightful breakfast treat.
FAQs about Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers!
Let’s dive into some common queries about this amazing chocolate chip zucchini bread.
Do I need to squeeze the water out of the zucchini for chocolate chip zucchini bread?
This is a fantastic question!
And the short answer is, no, you don’t need to.
For this specific chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe, the moisture from the zucchini is actually a good thing.
It helps keep the bread incredibly moist and tender.
So, no need for extra fuss or blotting!
Can I make chocolate chip zucchini bread ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can!
This chocolate chip zucchini bread is wonderful for making ahead.
It actually tastes even better the next day.
The flavors meld together beautifully.
Just store it properly, as I mentioned in the storage tips.
What kind of chocolate chips are best for chocolate chip zucchini bread?
Oh, the chocolate chip debate!
For this chocolate chip zucchini bread, I really love semi-sweet chocolate chips.
They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.
Dark chocolate chips would also be delicious if you prefer less sweetness.
Milk chocolate might be a bit too sweet with the sugar in the bread.
Ultimately, it’s about your preference!
Can I freeze chocolate chip zucchini bread?
Yes, you absolutely can!
Freezing this chocolate chip zucchini bread is a brilliant idea.
It’s perfect for meal prep or saving for later.
Make sure it’s completely cooled first.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil.
It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, my friends!
This chocolate chip zucchini bread isn’t just a recipe.
It’s a little slice of comfort.
It’s a testament to simple, delicious home baking.
I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do.
There’s a special joy in baking something wholesome.
Especially when it brings smiles to loved ones.
So go on, bake this amazing chocolate chip zucchini bread.
Share it, savor it, and make some beautiful memories.
Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread: Easy, moist, delicious!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes - 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe provides an easy, moist, and delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread. It’s a great way to use up zucchini and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) shredded zucchini (no need to blot)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or 8×4-inch loaf pan (for a taller loaf) with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder together until combined. Mix in the chocolate chips. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, yogurt, granulated sugar, and vanilla together until combined. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk to combine. Fold in the zucchini. The batter is very thick.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, making sure to loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent the top from over-cooking. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with only a few small moist crumbs. The 9×5-inch pan takes closer to 45 minutes, and the 8×4-inch pan takes closer to 55 minutes. All ovens vary, so begin checking around the 45-minute mark.
- Remove bread from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan set on a wire rack for 1 hour. While it’s still warm, I gently press a few more chocolate chips into the top; this is optional and only for looks.
- Remove bread from the pan and place the loaf directly on the wire rack to cool completely.
- Cover and store bread at room temperature for 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is recommended; do not use Dutch process.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and richness.
- No need to blot the shredded zucchini.
- For a taller loaf, use an 8×4-inch loaf pan; for a standard loaf, use a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Optional: Press extra chocolate chips onto the top of the warm bread for visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American