Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

If you’re looking for a deliciously moist treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the goodness of veggies, then you’re in for a delightful surprise with this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread! This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick snack or for family gatherings where everyone loves to indulge in something sweet. The best part? It’s so tasty that even your pickiest eaters won’t suspect they’re sneaking in some zucchini!

This bread is not just about flavor; it’s also about texture. The shredded zucchini keeps the bread tender and moist, making each slice an irresistible bite of chocolatey goodness. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as dessert, this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread will surely become a household staple, disappearing quickly slice by slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this bread ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a loaf on the weekend and keep it handy for snacks or breakfast throughout the week.
• Deliciously Versatile: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like nuts or spices to make it your own.
• Sneaky Veggies: Incorporating zucchini means you’re adding some nutrients without sacrificing flavor—it’s a win-win!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delightful bread. You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already!

• 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 (or vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil)
• 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

One of the things I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit 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 a warm flavor twist.
• Chocolate Swirls: Fold in some cream cheese batter for delightful swirls of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend; just ensure it has xanthan gum.

How to Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Preheat Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray so your bread releases easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the batter, which is crucial for proper rising.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, mix together 2 large 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 a rich base full of flavor—don’t skip on mixing well!

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Now comes the fun part! Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread tender! Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded zucchini and three-quarters of the chocolate chips. The zucchini adds moisture while blending seamlessly into the batter.

Step 5: Prepare Batter

Pour your beautifully mixed batter into the prepared loaf pan. To finish it off with a touch of indulgence, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top before baking—this will create a lovely chocolatey crust.

Step 6: Bake

Pop your loaf into the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it! A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean when it’s done.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked to perfection, let your bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice up this delectable treat and enjoy every chocolaty bite!

And there you have it—a slice of heaven that’s easy enough to whip up anytime you crave something sweet! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread to new heights!

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Freshly shredded zucchini not only adds moisture but also blends better with the batter. Avoid using pre-packaged shredded zucchini as it may contain preservatives that affect the flavor.

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined ensures your bread remains tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which is not ideal for this chocolatey delight.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so begin checking your bread at around 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached for that perfect bake.

• Let It Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy and ensures a lovely crust.

• Store Correctly: To keep your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread fresh longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Serving your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread can be just as fun as baking it! You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with some delightful accompaniments.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful touch and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some semisweet chocolate chips and drizzle them over slices for an extra indulgent treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like berries and melons is perfect to balance out the richness of the bread.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast and an extra protein boost, making this dish feel more complete.
• Nut Butter Spread: Serve slices with almond or peanut butter spread for added protein and healthy fats—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs beautifully with this sweet bread, enhancing its flavors and creating a cozy experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread will surely impress friends and family alike. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time, making it an easy grab-and-go snack or dessert. Here’s how to store it effectively to keep it fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable bag.

Freezing

• Once cooled completely, slice the bread into individual servings for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
• The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can toast slices in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a chia seed egg as an alternative.

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

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your taste preference.

How can I add extra flavor to my Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

You could add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or consider folding in nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delicious Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread as much as I do! It’s not just a treat; it’s a delightful way to sneak some veggies into your day while satisfying your chocolate cravings. Whether you share it with friends or savor every bite yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!