This rich and moist Chocolate Zucchini Bread combines the deep flavor of cocoa with the natural moisture and subtle sweetness of zucchini. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some vegetables while satisfying your chocolate cravings.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser. The zucchini keeps the texture soft and tender, while the chocolate chips offer pockets of melty goodness in every bite. Best of all, it’s simple to make and great for using up summer produce.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup whole wheat flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder.
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In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
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Stir in the grated zucchini until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 245 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
The Magic of Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Chocolate zucchini bread may sound like a contradiction — how could a green vegetable and rich chocolate coexist in a dessert? But once you take your first bite, the magic becomes clear. This unique quick bread is moist, tender, and deeply chocolatey, yet it carries a hint of earthy freshness from the zucchini that balances the richness perfectly. It’s a delightful twist on traditional banana or pumpkin bread and a clever way to sneak in extra nutrients, especially for picky eaters.
Why Add Zucchini to Bread?
Zucchini is a moisture-rich vegetable with a very mild flavor, making it the ideal secret ingredient in baked goods. When grated, it practically melts into the batter during baking, leaving behind no trace of its texture — just a soft, luscious crumb that makes the bread irresistibly tender. Unlike ingredients like bananas or pumpkin, zucchini doesn’t compete with the dominant flavor. Instead, it enhances the texture while allowing the chocolate to shine.
Adding zucchini also offers some nutritional benefits. It’s low in calories and contains vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. While chocolate zucchini bread isn’t a health food per se, the presence of zucchini certainly elevates it above your average dessert loaf.
A Great Way to Use Summer Produce
During the summer months, gardens and farmers markets overflow with zucchini. It grows abundantly, often more than expected, and home cooks frequently find themselves wondering what to do with the surplus. Chocolate zucchini bread is a creative and practical solution. You can use up one or two medium zucchinis in a single loaf, turning excess produce into a delicious treat.
You can also freeze grated zucchini in pre-measured bags and make this recipe year-round. It’s an excellent way to preserve your harvest and keep this favorite loaf in rotation no matter the season.
Texture and Flavor Profile
The star quality of this chocolate zucchini bread lies in its texture. Thanks to the zucchini, it’s incredibly moist without being dense or gummy. It strikes that ideal balance — firm enough to slice cleanly, but soft and rich with each bite. The cocoa powder lends a deep, slightly bitter chocolate base, while chocolate chips sprinkled throughout the loaf offer pockets of sweetness and a creamy, melty contrast.
The use of both white and brown sugar creates a caramel-like undertone, and a touch of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the chocolate. Each component is subtle but builds upon the other to form a flavor that’s cozy, slightly indulgent, and impossible to resist.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the great things about chocolate zucchini bread is its versatility. It’s a loaf that wears many hats — it can be breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a comforting start to the day, enjoy a slice with coffee as a midday pick-me-up, or dress it up with a scoop of ice cream for a satisfying dessert.
It’s also a hit at potlucks, brunches, bake sales, and gatherings. Few people can resist the allure of a glossy, chocolatey loaf, and once they hear it has zucchini, they’re often even more intrigued.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
For parents looking to sneak some veggies into their kids’ diets, chocolate zucchini bread is a stealthy ally. The chocolatey taste and dessert-like appeal make it easy for children to enjoy without ever noticing the green bits. In fact, if grated finely, the zucchini disappears entirely into the batter, leaving behind no telltale signs.
Families love this recipe not only for its taste but also for its simplicity. It doesn’t require a mixer or fancy ingredients, making it a fun weekend baking project for all ages.
Customization and Variations
While this classic version uses cocoa powder and chocolate chips, there’s plenty of room for creativity. You can mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch, swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or hazelnut spread for richness, or use dark chocolate chunks for a bolder flavor.
Want to make it dairy-free? Simply use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based oil. Looking for a vegan version? Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. This recipe adapts well to dietary preferences and still delivers on taste and texture.
You can also make mini loaves or muffins by adjusting the baking time. This makes it easier to pack in lunches or share with friends and neighbors. Some even frost it with a light glaze or cream cheese icing for a more dessert-like presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chocolate zucchini bread stores beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and it will stay moist at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, although letting it come to room temperature before serving enhances the flavor and softness.
For longer storage, freeze the entire loaf or individual slices. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a zip-top freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and it will be just as tender as when it was first baked.
Healthier Dessert Option
While chocolate zucchini bread is still a sweet treat, it does have some advantages over more traditional desserts. The use of zucchini boosts its nutritional profile slightly, and swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour can add fiber. Using a mix of sugars allows for better control of sweetness and texture.
You can also experiment with cutting down the sugar slightly or substituting honey or maple syrup for a more natural alternative. Even with these adjustments, the bread maintains its structure and taste remarkably well.
A Cozy, Year-Round Favorite
Though it’s especially popular in summer when zucchini is in season, this loaf has year-round appeal. It fits just as well on a holiday brunch table as it does at a summer picnic. There’s something about the combination of rich chocolate and wholesome ingredients that makes it comforting, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic.
Plus, the recipe is so simple and reliable that it becomes a staple in many households. Once you’ve made it, it’s hard not to return to it again and again.
Conclusion
Chocolate zucchini bread is a wonderful example of how baking can be both delicious and resourceful. It’s a recipe that celebrates the abundance of seasonal produce, satisfies a sweet tooth, and brings comfort with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this loaf is easy to master and always impressive.
Its rich flavor, tender texture, and adaptability make it a standout recipe that deserves a spot in every baker’s repertoire. From its humble zucchini base to its chocolatey finish, this bread proves that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that surprise you most.