Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

If you’re looking for a deliciously moist treat that combines the richness of chocolate with a hidden veggie twist, then you’re in for a real delight with this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet but still wholesome and satisfying. You can enjoy it as a snack, serve it at family gatherings, or even sneak it into breakfast. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

What makes this bread truly special is how the shredded zucchini blends seamlessly into the batter. It keeps the bread wonderfully moist without overpowering that deep chocolate flavor we all crave. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that lets us sneak some veggies into our diet? Let’s dive into why this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the rich chocolate flavor, while parents appreciate the added nutrition from zucchini.
• Versatile Treat: Whether you serve it warm from the oven or toasted with butter, it’s delicious any time of day.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a loaf ahead of time and have slices ready for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
• Chocolatey Goodness: With Dutch process cocoa and semisweet chocolate chips, every bite is pure bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread are simple and wholesome. Nothing fancy here—just good old favorites that come together beautifully to create something special.

• 1 c all-purpose flour
• 1/2 c Dutch process cocoa or unsweetened cocoa
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/4 c unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1/4 c canola oil (vegetable oil or melted coconut oil works too)
• 3/4 c packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 c packed shredded zucchini
• 1 c semisweet chocolate chips (divided)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warm, cozy flavors.
• Use Different Oils: Swap out canola oil for melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a lighter option.
• More Chocolate: For true chocoholics, increase the semisweet chocolate chips to 1 1/2 cups!

How to Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray ensures that your bread comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. This step is essential as it helps combine all your dry ingredients evenly and adds air to them.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together your 2 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup oil, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. This combination creates the moisture needed in your bread while also adding sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Now is when you add in the star of this recipe—your shredded zucchini! Fold in the zucchini and 3/4 cup chocolate chips carefully so they are distributed well without overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top. This not only looks appealing but adds extra chocolaty goodness right where you want it!

Step 6: Bake

Bake your bread for about 50–60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, it’s done! The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in its pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Afterward, slice up this delicious Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread and enjoy every chocolaty bite!

Pro Tips for Making Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Baking can be a joyful experience, and with a few handy tips, your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread will turn out even better!

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Grate fresh zucchini for the best moisture and flavor. Older zucchini may lack the vibrant taste and moisture that truly elevates your bread.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread instead of the fluffy texture we all love.

• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary by oven. Start checking your bread a few minutes early with a toothpick; you want it to come out mostly clean but still slightly moist.

• Cool Completely: Allow your bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crumb and makes for cleaner slices.

• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your flavor profile. This adds depth and personalizes the recipe to your taste!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Serving Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is just as delightful as baking it! Here are some fun ideas to present this chocolatey treat.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy texture contrast that complements the moistness of the bread.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh strawberries or raspberries. Their tartness balances perfectly with the rich chocolate flavors.

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making this treat feel more like breakfast!

• Coffee or Tea: Pairing with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors while providing a cozy vibe, perfect for an afternoon snack.

• Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve warm slices with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates an indulgent chocolate experience!

Enjoy your baking adventure, and remember, every slice is packed with love and hidden veggies!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week. Whether you want to make it ahead for busy mornings or save some for later, these storage tips will keep your bread fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its moisture.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy portioning.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag.
• Label the bag with the date; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw slices at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a warm, freshly baked taste, pop slices in a toaster oven until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this scrumptious Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but be aware that it may change the texture slightly. The bread may be denser but still delicious.

How do I know when my Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out mostly clean, your bread is ready! A few moist crumbs are fine, but avoid any wet batter.

Can I add nuts to my Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor. Just keep an eye on the total amount of mix-ins so you don’t alter the batter too much.

What can I use instead of eggs in Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping it deliciously moist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread as much as I do! It’s such a delightful way to enjoy chocolate while sneaking in some veggies. With its moist texture and rich flavor, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Enjoy every slice, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!