Description
Bake incredibly moist, rich chocolate and zucchini bread with this easy recipe. It turns garden zucchini into a decadent quick bread with melty chocolate chips, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups shredded zucchini
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray two 8×4-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
4. Stir the shredded zucchini directly into the wet ingredient mixture.
5. Add the dry ingredients from the medium bowl into the large bowl with the wet ingredients and zucchini. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the cup of semisweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly.
7. Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans, smooth the tops with a spatula, and sprinkle with more semisweet chocolate chips if desired.
8. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back softly when touched.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool in pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Chef’s Secrets: Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined for tender bread. Do not squeeze water from shredded zucchini, as its moisture is key. Use room temperature eggs and oil for smoother batter. Vegetable oil can be swapped for melted coconut oil or mild olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor.
Variations: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Increase cinnamon or add ground ginger/cardamom. Experiment with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips. Convert to muffins by baking for 20-25 minutes. Swirl in a cream cheese mixture before baking for extra decadence.
FAQs: Zucchini adds moisture, not strong flavor. Keep moist by not overmixing or overbaking, and storing in an airtight container. No need to peel zucchini. Loaves can be frozen for 3-4 months, wrapped tightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 to 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American