Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Name: Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Collection

When I first decided to make Chocolate Zucchini Bread, I was skeptical about mixing vegetables with a sweet treat. To my surprise, the zucchini not only kept the bread moist but also added a subtle texture that I loved. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I have an abundance of zucchini from my garden. Each bite combines rich chocolate flavor with a hint of warmth from spices. It’s incredibly satisfying to enjoy this delicious bread while knowing it has a hidden vegetable element.

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:02:34.947Z

My journey with Chocolate Zucchini Bread started when a friend recommended it as a solution for her garden surplus. I was intrigued by the idea and decided to give it a try. To enhance the flavor, I added cinnamon and vanilla, which complemented the chocolate beautifully. When baking, the aroma filled my kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.

What amazed me most was the texture—thanks to the grated zucchini, the bread was incredibly moist without being overly dense. I also discovered that allowing it to cool completely before slicing resulted in cleaner cuts and a more enjoyable tasting experience. Now, it's a go-to for brunch gatherings!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with the subtle sweetness of zucchini
Perfectly moist texture that keeps well for days
A sneaky way to incorporate veggies into your diet

      

Understanding Zucchini's Role

Zucchini serves a dual purpose in this Chocolate Zucchini Bread. Firstly, its high moisture content ensures that the bread remains incredibly tender and fresh for several days, even as it sits on the counter. The natural sugars in zucchini subtly enhance the sweetness without making the bread overly sweet. When baking, I recommend using a food processor to grate the zucchini quickly, but a box grater works just as well for those who prefer manual prep.

Another benefit of incorporating zucchini is its ability to blend seamlessly into the batter without imparting a strong vegetable flavor. This makes the bread approachable for even the pickiest eaters. If you're concerned about the texture, a quick squeeze in a kitchen towel will help remove excess moisture, ensuring a more structured loaf. Just be careful not to press too hard—some moisture is beneficial.

Baking Techniques for Success

The key to perfecting this bread lies in the mixing method. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Aim for just a few flour streaks to ensure a light and airy texture. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon can help you fold the batter without activating the gluten too much, keeping that desired moistness intact.

Additionally, baking temperature is crucial. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you pop the loaf in. This helps the bread rise evenly and develop a beautifully domed top with nicely golden edges. If you notice that the bread is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once cooled, this Chocolate Zucchini Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to four days, making it a great make-ahead snack or breakfast option. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually, so you can enjoy a piece whenever the craving hits—just let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up fresh.

Serving this bread can be just as versatile as making it. While it’s delicious on its own, consider spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or butter on top for added richness. For a decadent dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also mix in different spices like nutmeg or even substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

Ingredients

1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start the baking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

Prepare the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. If it seems watery, press it gently in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until well combined.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then stir in the grated zucchini.

Combine Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold them together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if a few flour streaks remain.

Add Chocolate Chips

If using, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Zucchini Bread!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. You can also frost it with cream cheese icing for a sweeter finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend will yield great results. Just ensure that the blend you choose contains xanthan gum, as it helps with the structure of the bread. Additionally, you can replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener, which imparts a slight caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

For those watching their fat intake, you can substitute the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio. This will not only reduce calories but will also maintain moisture in the loaf. If you're using applesauce, remember to reduce the sugar slightly, as it will add natural sweetness to the bread.

Troubleshooting Tips

Should your bread come out overly dense, it might be a result of too much flour or overmixing. To prevent this in the future, make sure to spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. Also, keep an eye on your mixing process; a few flour streaks are perfectly fine, and thorough mixing can lead to a tough loaf.

If you find the bread rising unevenly or sinking in the center, this can often be attributed to an oven that isn’t calibrated correctly. To test this, place an oven thermometer inside your oven to ensure it reaches and maintains the designated temperature. Additionally, avoid opening the oven door too frequently while baking, as the drop in temperature can hinder the rising process.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with the chocolate component of this recipe! If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, try using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa, or mix in a combination of chocolate chips, such as milk and dark chocolate for a more complex taste. Nuts or dried fruits, such as walnuts or raisins, can also be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.

For a spiced twist, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients. This unexpected flavor boost pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and richness of the zucchini, offering a unique profile that will keep friends and family coming back for more.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of flour?

Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

→ How can I store the bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It should last up to 3 months.

→ Is it necessary to peel the zucchini?

No, there’s no need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds extra nutrients and texture to the bread.