If you love the idea of sneaking a bit of veggies into your sweet treats, then this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of moist, tender bread bursting with warm cinnamon spices and pockets of melty chocolate chips that perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of zucchini. Each bite is like a cozy hug, making it a fabulous choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making this irresistible bread. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and moisture that make this chocolate chip zucchini bread so special.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist while adding a subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and adds chewiness to the crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a clean sweetness that balances the brown sugar and enhances browning.
- Eggs: Provide structure and tenderness, helping to bind all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant note that lifts all the other flavors beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a gentle spice that perfectly complements the zucchini and chocolate.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Vital leavening agents that help the bread rise light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it a tender, sturdy crumb.
- Grated zucchini: Adds moisture, subtle flavor, and a bit of sneaky nutrition without overpowering the bread.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring melted pockets of sweet, chocolate goodness with every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×4-inch or 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a good greasing with nonstick cooking spray so your bread slips out effortlessly after baking. This simple prep step ensures that your loaf will have a beautiful crust without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture is going to give you a beautifully rich and sweet base for your bread.
Step 3: Add in the Dry Ingredients
Next up, stir in the cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute those flavors and leaveners. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as keeping the batter tender is key here.
Step 4: Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chips
Gently incorporate the grated zucchini along with the chocolate chips. The zucchini not only adds moisture but helps keep the bread fresh longer, while the chocolate chips melt into luscious bites peppered throughout. Folding these in carefully ensures they spread evenly in every slice.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top—their glossy nuggets will make the bread look irresistible once baked. Bake in your preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s perfectly done.
Step 6: Cool the Bread
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set up a bit. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the crust stays crisp and the bread slices neatly.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate your zucchini bread into a treat that’s both lovely to look at and delightful to taste. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also add a lovely balance of freshness if you’re serving this as a dessert.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it the perfect companion for conversation-filled mornings or cozy afternoon breaks. For brunch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe into bite-size muffins for an easy grab-and-go snack. Alternatively, slice and toast the bread, then top with a smear of cream cheese or nut butter for a delicious twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled zucchini bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh for your snacking pleasure.
Freezing
If you want to keep that delicious bread around longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices snugly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Frozen bread stays delicious for up to 3 months and is perfect for pulling out whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your zucchini bread fresh and warm, simply reheat slices in the toaster or microwave for about 20 seconds. This brings back the soft texture and melty chocolate chip moments just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate in this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each will bring a unique flavor twist that complements the zucchini wonderfully.
Should I peel the zucchini before grating it?
There’s no need to peel the zucchini; the skin adds a lovely green fleck to the bread and plenty of nutrition. Just make sure to grate it finely and squeeze out any excess moisture if it feels very wet.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that swaps may alter the bread’s moistness and crumb a bit.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done perfectly. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the bread structure intact.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe is truly one of those joyful kitchen creations that feel like a warm hug in loaf form. It’s simple, satisfying, and so flexible whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Don’t hesitate—grab those zucchinis and chocolate chips and make this delectable bread today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread combines the natural sweetness of grated zucchini with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, this quick bread is an ideal treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Its tender crumb and balanced sweetness make it a family favorite, easy to bake in any standard oven.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (119ml) vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred type)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×4-inch or 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter.
- Incorporate Zucchini and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top for a decorative touch.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note that an 8×4-inch pan will yield a more domed top, while a 9×5-inch pan results in a flatter loaf.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store: Store the cooled bread at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap for freshness. For longer storage, freeze the whole loaf or individual slices wrapped in sandwich bags for convenient grab-and-go snacks.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid a dense texture.
- Grated zucchini should be squeezed if very watery to prevent thinning the batter.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate chips based on preference.
- Make sure to cool the bread completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
- This bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
