This Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is incredibly moist, packed with chocolate, and a fantastic way to use up that garden zucchini. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Zucchini: Don’t peel it! The skin practically disappears. Fresh is best.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened for a deep chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet are standard, but milk or dark chocolate chips work too.
- Vegetable Oil: Can swap for melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat pastry flour can be used for a slightly healthier twist.
Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
* 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium)
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
* 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Add-ins:
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping, if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45-55 minutes
- Total time: 60-70 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Tools needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, grater.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your delicious Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread won’t stick.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the grated zucchini, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and evenly distributed.
3. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Make sure there are no lumps and the cocoa is evenly mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined – don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Reserve a few if you want to sprinkle some on top before baking.
6. Pour into Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it while warm is tempting, but letting it cool helps it set.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
-
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, you don’t! The zucchini skin is very thin and softens completely during baking, becoming undetectable. -
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible before adding it to the batter. -
My zucchini bread is dry, what went wrong?
It was likely overbaked. Baking times can vary, so start checking for doneness around 40 minutes. -
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Add about ½ cup along with the chocolate chips. -
Is this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread healthy?
It’s a treat! While it contains a vegetable, it’s still a dessert or sweet bread with sugar and oil. Enjoy it in moderation. -
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?
Toss your chocolate chips with a tablespoon of the dry flour mixture before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended.