Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a decadent twist on the classic zucchini bread, packed with rich cocoa and a hint of chocolate chips. Not only is it a delicious dessert or snack, but it’s also a clever way to sneak some veggies into your diet! The moistness from the zucchini combines perfectly with the double chocolate flavor, making this bread irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family treat or looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this zucchini bread delivers on all fronts.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and sugar together until well combined. Add in the vanilla extract.
Stir the shredded zucchini into the wet mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips, if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55-65 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and swap the eggs for flax eggs or another egg replacement for a dairy-free version.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a subtle spiced twist.
Low-sugar: Reduce the sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply slice the bread and warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast it in a skillet for a warm, crispy edge.

FAQs

1. Can I make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) or another egg substitute.

2. How do I prevent my zucchini bread from being too soggy?

Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before adding it to the batter. This helps to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture might be denser, and the flavor will be slightly nuttier.

4. How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, you can use a lower-sugar option like Stevia or coconut sugar, and add more zucchini for additional moisture without adding too many calories.

5. Can I freeze Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I add other fruits to this bread?

Yes, you can add fruits like mashed bananas, applesauce, or even berries to give it a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust the moisture content if adding extra liquid.

7. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give a deeper chocolate flavor, but feel free to use any kind of chocolate chips you prefer.

8. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can bake this recipe in a muffin tin, adjusting the bake time to 20-25 minutes, or use any other baking dish that fits your preference.

9. How long does Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread last?

At room temperature, the bread will stay fresh for about 3 days. If stored properly in the fridge, it can last up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

10. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using flax eggs, plant-based oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent. With its rich chocolatey flavor and moist texture from the zucchini, it’s a treat everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a family snack, a sweet breakfast, or a dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!