Chocolate Zucchini Bread: Decadent Dark Chocolate Indulgence

Emma here, and I have a story about my love for chocolate zucchini bread. It all began as a delightful kitchen experiment on a rainy afternoon. With pantry essentials and a garden full of zucchini, I decided to create a tantalizing treat that combined rich chocolate flavors with the subtle moistness of zucchini.

As I mixed the ingredients, the aroma of cocoa filled the kitchen, blending perfectly with the fresh scent of zucchini. This was not just a baking session; it was a journey of discovery, turning humble ingredients into a scrumptious loaf. The chocolate zucchini bread emerged from the oven, its surface dotted with melty chocolate chips, inviting everyone to gather around the table and share in the indulgence.

This chocolate zucchini bread recipe, which has become a staple in my home, embodies the essence of GrandMmaDelights. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something magical, bringing joy and togetherness to any occasion. With every slice, we celebrate the art of home cooking, savoring each bite as a reminder of the warmth and love that food brings.

Join me as we explore how to make this delectable chocolate zucchini bread, a recipe that perfectly combines tradition with a touch of culinary creativity.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Description

Indulge in our delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe that combines rich cocoa with fresh zucchini for a moist and flavorful treat. Learn how to bake it today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) Dutch process cocoa or unsweetened cocoa
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) sea salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) packed shredded zucchini
• 1 cup (240 ml) dark chocolate chips, divided

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Instructions

1. Set your oven to reach 350°F. Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and place it aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt using a whisk. Put it aside.
3. In a larger bowl, combine the eggs, melted butter, oil, vanilla, and brown sugar. Mix until the blend is smooth, leaving some tiny brown sugar lumps if necessary.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Add the shredded zucchini and stir until just incorporated. Then fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips.
5. Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan. Scatter the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean, though melted chocolate is acceptable. Avoid excessive wet batter on the toothpick.
6. Take the pan out of the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges before gently removing the bread from the pan. Let it cool on the wire rack until slightly warm. Slice and serve.
7. Note: If using coconut oil, ensure it’s melted and slightly cooled. Store the bread at room temperature, wrapped in plastic, for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen. For freezing, let the bread cool completely, then wrap in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before slicing.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the shredded zucchini thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bread.
• Feel free to substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil, ensuring it’s melted and slightly cooled before adding to the wet ingredients.
• Enhance the chocolate flavor by using dark chocolate chips in the batter and sprinkling on top of the bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 6g

Keywords: zucchini bread, chocolate chips, loaf pan, baking soda, shredded zucchini, semisweet chocolate chips

Chocolate Zucchini Bread: Fundamentals and Preparation

Fundamentals

Chocolate zucchini bread is a delightful combination of rich cocoa flavors and the moist texture of zucchini. This recipe utilizes simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa, and dark chocolate chips. The zucchini adds a subtle moisture, making the bread incredibly tender without overpowering the chocolatey taste.

The key to a successful chocolate zucchini bread lies in balancing the dry and wet ingredients. Using baking soda ensures the bread rises beautifully, while the combination of unsalted butter and vegetable oil provides a rich and indulgent crumb. This blend of ingredients results in a loaf that is both delicious and visually appealing, with chocolate chips scattered throughout for added texture and flavor.

Preparation/setup

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. This step is crucial to ensure the bread bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and sea salt, setting aside the dry ingredients for later use.

In a larger bowl, combine the eggs, melted butter, oil, vanilla extract, and light brown sugar. Mix these ingredients until smooth, allowing some lumps of brown sugar to remain for added texture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, which could lead to a dense loaf.

Once combined, add the shredded zucchini and stir until just incorporated. This step ensures the zucchini distributes evenly throughout the batter, providing moisture and a lovely texture. Finally, fold in ¾ cup of dark chocolate chips, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for sprinkling on top before baking.

Mastering the Art of Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Technique

As you pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, take care to spread it evenly. This ensures the bread rises uniformly and bakes consistently. Scatter the reserved chocolate chips over the top, adding a delightful visual and textural contrast. Place the loaf in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check the bread’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with a few melted chocolate streaks being acceptable. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in a dry loaf. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes.

Tips/tricks

For a perfect chocolate zucchini bread, ensure your zucchini is well-shredded and lightly packed. This prevents excess moisture from weighing down the batter. Using room temperature eggs also aids in achieving a smoother batter consistency. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch process cocoa, which provides a richer taste compared to unsweetened cocoa.

When folding the ingredients, use a gentle hand to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough loaf. This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate minor adjustments, such as substituting coconut oil for vegetable oil. Just ensure it’s melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the wet ingredients.

Perfecting Your Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect chocolate zucchini bread involves attention to detail and a bit of patience. Once the loaf has cooled slightly, use a knife to loosen the edges before gently removing it from the pan. Allow the bread to cool on the wire rack until it reaches a warm, sliceable temperature.

The result is a beautifully moist and rich loaf, with a tender crumb and bursts of chocolate from the chips. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of cocoa and zucchini, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The bread’s texture improves as it rests, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your bread turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing or excess moisture from the zucchini. To prevent this, ensure you measure the zucchini accurately and avoid overmixing the batter. For those looking to experiment, consider adding a handful of nuts or swapping the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

For more inspiration, check out our golden chocolate chip zucchini bread and banana zucchini bread recipes, which offer unique twists on this classic favorite. These variations provide exciting alternatives for those eager to explore different flavor combinations.

Serving and Storing Your Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Serving/presentation

Serve your chocolate zucchini bread slightly warm, allowing the chocolate chips to remain gooey and delightful. This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. For a special touch, dust the loaf with powdered sugar before serving, adding a hint of sweetness and elegance.

For those hosting gatherings, this bread makes a charming addition to any dessert table. Its rich, chocolatey flavor and moist texture are sure to impress guests and leave them craving more. Slice the loaf into even portions, showcasing the beautiful marbling of chocolate and zucchini with every piece.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftover chocolate zucchini bread at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing the bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic and foil before placing it in the freezer. This method preserves the bread’s freshness for up to a month.

Before serving, thaw the bread at room temperature and slice as desired. The flavors and textures remain intact, offering the same delightful experience as when freshly baked. For more delicious recipes, visit soft and fudgy peanut butter chocolate chip banana bread bars and white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies for more delightful treats.

Conclusion

Chocolate zucchini bread offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers. This recipe highlights the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create something truly special. Its rich chocolate flavor and moist crumb make it a versatile treat, perfect for any occasion.

By following the techniques outlined, you can achieve consistent, delicious results every time. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, chocolate zucchini bread is a testament to the joy of home cooking. Explore variations and discover new favorites, enriching your culinary repertoire.

For more inspiration, check out external resources like chocolate zucchini bread recipe for additional tips and ideas. Embrace the creativity and satisfaction of baking at home, and enjoy the delicious journey of making chocolate zucchini bread.

FAQs – Chocolate Zucchini Bread