Double chocolate zucchini bread is a delightful way to enjoy a rich, chocolatey treat with a hint of healthy goodness from zucchini. This moist and decadent bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack anytime.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in your pantry. Be sure to grab instant coffee powder which enhances the chocolate flavor, and plain Greek yogurt that adds moisture and tanginess without adding too many extra calories.
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Zucchini: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness without a strong vegetable taste.
All purpose flour: The base ingredient for the bread, providing structure.
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the bread its rich chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
Baking powder: Works with the baking soda for leavening the bread.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Instant coffee powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Semi sweet or dark chocolate chips: Adds gooey chocolate pockets throughout the bread.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang, reducing the need for extra oil.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
One reader, Jolene Keys says:
This double chocolate zucchini bread is a delightful treat! The rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the moist texture from the zucchini. It’s a hit with my family, and I love that it’s a bit healthier with the added veggies. Definitely a new favorite in our household!
Techniques Required for Making Chocolate Zucchini Bread
How to shred zucchini: Use a box grater or food processor to shred the zucchini into fine pieces. How to absorb moisture from zucchini: Place the shredded zucchini on paper towels and press another paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture. How to whisk dry ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, instant coffee, and chocolate chips in a bowl and whisk until evenly mixed. How to whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla until fully combined. How to fold ingredients: Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the shredded zucchini into the batter without over-mixing. How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is done baking.
How To Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
This indulgent zucchini bread will disappear from the table in no time! It’s baked with Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, then studded with chocolate chips.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupszucchini,shredded
- 1cupall purpose flour,spoon and leveled
- ½cupnatural unsweetened cocoa powder,not dutch process
- ¾tspbaking soda
- ¼tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- ½: 5px; letter-spacing: 2px”>¾cupsemi sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2large eggs
- ¼cupcanola or vegetable oil
- ¼cupplain Greek yogurt
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
Instructions
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Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×5-inch (or 8×4-inch) loaf pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
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Place the shredded zucchini on a couple of paper towels to absorb some but not all moisture. Press a paper towel on top as well. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, instant coffee, and chocolate chips together until combined. Set aside.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla together until completely combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and lightly whisk until combined.
-
Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the zucchini. Pour or spoon batter into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow bread to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Slice and serve when bread has completely cooled.
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Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 208.59kcal
- Fat: 11.27g
- Saturated Fat: 3.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.17g
- Carbohydrates: 24.42g
- Fiber: 3.00g
- Sugar: 11.80g
- Protein: 4.34g
- Cholesterol: 32.14mg
- Sodium: 153.91mg
- Calcium: 32.87mg
- Potassium: 201.21mg
- Iron: 2.55mg
- Vitamin A: 15.11µg
- Vitamin C: 2.77mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Baking Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
To ensure your zucchini bread has the perfect texture, make sure to gently press the shredded zucchini between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step prevents the batter from becoming too wet, which can lead to a dense and soggy loaf. Additionally, using instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the bread taste like coffee, so don't skip this ingredient.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Prep ingredients ahead: Shred the zucchini and measure out all ingredients the night before to save time on baking day.
Use a food processor: Quickly shred the zucchini using a food processor instead of a grater.
Combine dry ingredients: Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
Room temperature eggs: Bring eggs to room temperature faster by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing the ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.
Substitute Ingredients For Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with carrots: Carrots provide a similar moisture content and subtle sweetness, making them a good alternative.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a bit more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bread slightly denser.
natural unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder has a smoother, less acidic flavor, which can enhance the chocolate taste.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 1½ teaspoons of baking powder for every ¾ teaspoon of baking soda to achieve a similar leavening effect.
baking powder - Substitute with cream of tartar and baking soda: Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar to replace ¼ teaspoon of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and a slightly different taste, but it can be used in the same quantity.
instant coffee powder - Substitute with espresso powder: Espresso powder has a stronger flavor and can enhance the chocolate taste even more.
semi sweet or dark chocolate chips - Substitute with milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips are sweeter and can provide a different flavor profile.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.
canola or vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.
plain greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste has a more intense vanilla flavor and includes the seeds from the vanilla pod.
Best Way to Present This Delectable Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the double chocolate zucchini bread into elegant, thin slices to create a refined presentation. This allows the rich flavors to be savored without overwhelming the palate.
Use decoration: Garnish each slice with a light dusting of cocoa powder and a few chocolate chips for visual appeal. Add a small sprig of mint to introduce a fresh contrast.
Plate with accompaniments: Serve the bread with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt on the side, drizzled with a touch of honey. This adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the rich chocolate.
Add texture: Sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds around the plate. This adds a crunchy element and enhances the overall experience.
Create height: Stack two thin slices of the bread slightly offset from each other. This creates a visually appealing height and makes the dish look more dynamic.
Incorporate color: Add a few fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries around the plate. Their vibrant colors will contrast beautifully with the dark chocolate bread.
Use a stylish plate: Choose a sleek, modern plate with a contrasting color to the bread, such as a white or light-colored plate. This will make the double chocolate zucchini bread stand out and look more sophisticated.
Finish with a sauce: Drizzle a small amount of chocolate ganache or raspberry coulis artistically around the plate. This adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of flavor.
Essential Tools for Making Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Oven: Used to bake the zucchini bread at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Loaf pan: A 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch pan to shape the bread while baking.
Nonstick spray: To coat the loaf pan and prevent the bread from sticking.
Paper towels: To absorb excess moisture from the shredded zucchini.
Large bowl: For mixing the dry ingredients together.
Medium bowl: For whisking the wet ingredients together.
Whisk: To combine the ingredients smoothly and evenly.
Rubber spatula: To fold in the zucchini and mix the batter gently.
Wooden spoon: An alternative to the rubber spatula for mixing the batter.
Toothpick: To check if the bread is fully baked by inserting it into the center.
Wire rack: To cool the bread completely after baking.
Airtight container: For storing leftover bread to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
Storing and Freezing Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Allow the double chocolate zucchini bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the bread soggy.
Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Store the wrapped bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep the bread fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods.
If you want to keep the bread for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
- When you're ready to enjoy the bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, you can slice and serve the bread as desired. If you prefer warm bread, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
Pro tip: Slice the bread before freezing it, so you can easily remove and thaw individual portions as needed. This is particularly useful if you're planning to use the bread for breakfast or snacks throughout the week.
How to Reheat Leftover Chocolate Zucchini Bread
To reheat leftover double chocolate zucchini bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the chocolate chips are melted and gooey. This method helps to restore the bread's moisture and freshness, making it taste like it was just baked.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual slices of double chocolate zucchini bread in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 15-20 seconds, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the bread, as it can become tough and rubbery.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, try reheating the double chocolate zucchini bread in a toaster oven. Slice the bread to your desired thickness and place it directly on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is warm and soft.
For a unique twist, try transforming your leftover double chocolate zucchini bread into French toast. Slice the bread into thick pieces, dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and cook them in a skillet with melted butter until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decadent breakfast treat.
Interesting Fact About Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
A random fact about this double chocolate zucchini bread recipe is that the addition of zucchini not only adds moisture to the bread, making it incredibly tender, but also sneaks in a serving of vegetables, making it a slightly healthier treat.
Is Making Chocolate Zucchini Bread at Home Cost-Effective?
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this double chocolate zucchini bread recipe, it scores an 8 out of 10. The primary ingredients like zucchini, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most households. The addition of chocolate chips and Greek yogurt adds a slight premium, but overall, the cost remains manageable. For a household of 4 people, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD, making it an affordable yet indulgent dessert option.
Is This Chocolate Zucchini Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This double chocolate zucchini bread recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes zucchini, which is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The recipe also uses Greek yogurt, which provides protein and calcium. However, the recipe contains a significant amount of sugar and chocolate chips, which are high in calories and added sugars. The use of all-purpose flour and oil also contributes to the calorie content without providing much nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead
- Use dark chocolate chips with a higher percentage of cocoa (70% or above) for more antioxidants and less sugar
- Replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas for a healthier fat alternative
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for healthy fats and extra texture
- Experiment with reducing the chocolate chips to 1/2 cup and adding 1/4 cup of dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for natural sweetness and variety
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
This double chocolate zucchini bread recipe is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and moist zucchini, creating a perfectly balanced treat. The addition of instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate flavor, while the Greek yogurt adds a subtle tang and extra moisture. The use of both baking soda and baking powder ensures a good rise, and the chocolate chips provide bursts of melty goodness. It's a clever way to incorporate vegetables into a dessert, making it slightly healthier without compromising on taste. Overall, it's a well-rounded recipe that's sure to impress both chocolate lovers and those seeking a unique twist.
Enhance Your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with This Zucchini Bread Recipe
Why trust this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe:
This double chocolate zucchini bread recipe is a must-try because it combines the rich flavors of cocoa powder and chocolate chips with the moisture and subtle sweetness of zucchini. The addition of instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate taste, making it even more irresistible. With a balance of plain Greek yogurt and canola oil, this bread is both moist and flavorful. Plus, it's been tested and perfected to ensure a delightful baking experience. Trust this recipe for a delicious treat that will impress everyone.
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