Chocolate Zucchini Bread Clara quick dinners

Chocolate zucchini bread is a rich, moist, and fudgy quick bread made with shredded zucchini and cocoa powder. It’s a perfect way to use up extra zucchini and sneak some veggies into a decadent chocolate treat that tastes more like dessert than a traditional loaf.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate zucchini bread is ultra-moist, deeply chocolatey, and surprisingly easy to make. The zucchini blends seamlessly into the batter, adding moisture without altering the flavor. It’s a great recipe for kids and adults alike, and you’ll love how it can be served for breakfast, snack, or even dessert. Plus, it stores beautifully and freezes well, making it perfect for baking ahead.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• Vanilla extract
• Shredded zucchini
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra richness)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugars until combined. Stir in oil and vanilla extract.
4. Add the shredded zucchini to the wet ingredients and mix well.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and sour cream or yogurt if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 5060 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1012 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 5060 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Double Chocolate: Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking for more gooey goodness.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute for an easy swap.
• Nutty Version: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
• Low Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly and substitute part with honey or maple syrup.
• Mini Loaves or Muffins: Pour batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins and adjust baking time accordingly.

storage/reheating

Store chocolate zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To freeze, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave a slice for 1015 seconds or warm in a low oven until heated through.

FAQs

What does chocolate zucchini bread taste like?

It tastes like a moist, rich chocolate cake—zucchini adds texture and moisture but no noticeable flavor.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, just wash and grate it. The peel is soft and unnoticeable once baked.

Can I use frozen shredded zucchini?

Yes, thaw and drain well before using to avoid excess moisture.

Should I squeeze the water out of the zucchini?

If it’s very wet, lightly pat it with paper towels, but don’t dry it completely—it adds needed moisture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based oil and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free yogurt.

Can I make this into muffins?

Absolutely—just divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 2025 minutes.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, try chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips for variation.

Is this bread overly sweet?

It has a rich chocolate flavor with balanced sweetness—great as-is or lightly reduced for less sugar.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Insert a toothpick—if it comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter, it’s done.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use two loaf pans or adjust for different pan sizes as needed.

Conclusion

Chocolate zucchini bread is the perfect fusion of indulgence and wholesome baking. It’s rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor—yet secretly full of vegetables. Whether you’re baking for your family or prepping snacks for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy every time.

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