One Bowl Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the subtle sweetness of zucchini. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its moist texture and bursts of chocolate chips, it’s an irresistible way to sneak in some veggies! Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a slice at home, this chocolate zucchini bread is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
- Moist and Flavorful: The addition of zucchini ensures each loaf is incredibly moist and rich in flavor.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Loaded with chocolate chips, every bite is a chocolatey delight.
- Great for Sharing: Make two loaves to keep one and share the other with friends or neighbors.
Tools and Preparation
To make your One Bowl Chocolate Zucchini Bread, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having the right equipment will ensure that your baking experience is smooth and successful.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Loaf pans
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Grater
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients easily without spillage.
- Loaf pans: These are essential for giving your bread its shape and ensuring even cooking.
- Grater: A fine grater helps achieve the perfect texture for the zucchini, integrating it seamlessly into the batter.
Ingredients
For the Bread Mixture
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar (or Pure Cane Organic Sugar)
- 3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 2 cups Grated Zucchini (do not drain excess liquid) (approximately 3 medium zucchinis )
- 12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (divided (8 oz or 227 grams for the bread mixture, remaining 4 oz or 113 grams for topping))
How to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Adjust the oven rack to the second-level position and preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pans
Generously spray two bread loaf tins with a flour-based baking spray or grease them with vegetable shortening and lightly flour. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large-size bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Chocolate Chips
With a spoon, stir in the grated zucchini along with 8 ounces of chocolate chips until evenly incorporated.
Step 6: Divide Batter into Loaf Pans
Evenly divide the batter into the two prepared loaf tins. Top each loaf with the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate chips.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Down
Cool the chocolate zucchini bread loaves in their pans for about 5-10 minutes before removing them from the tins. Transfer them to cooling racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Chocolate zucchini bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, there are many creative ideas to enhance your experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a warm slice with a pat of butter for a comforting treat.
Toasted Delight
- Lightly toast a piece and spread cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet twist.
A La Mode
- Top a slice with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
Breakfast Parfait
- Crumble chocolate zucchini bread into yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delicious breakfast parfait.
Party Platter
- Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter for gatherings or as snacks at parties.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy with your morning coffee or tea for the perfect pairing.
How to Perfect Chocolate Zucchini Bread
To achieve the ultimate chocolate zucchini bread, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure moistness and flavor in every bite.
Use fresh zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini adds moisture and flavor, making the bread irresistible.
Don’t drain the zucchini: Keeping the excess liquid helps maintain moisture during baking.
Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature allows for better mixing and incorporation of air.
Check doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean but moist, not wet.
Cool properly: Let the bread cool in the pan before transferring it to racks to prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Chocolate zucchini bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement its rich flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the bread.
- Greek Yogurt: A scoop of plain or flavored Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes each slice feel like dessert.
- Nuts & Seeds Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides texture and contrasts nicely with the soft bread.
- Coffee or Tea: Pairing with your favorite hot beverage enhances the overall experience.
- Cheese Board: Including some mild cheeses creates an interesting flavor profile alongside the sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Zucchini Bread, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:
- Using too much zucchini: Adding excess grated zucchini can make the bread too moist. Stick to 2 cups for the best texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure success.
- Skipping the eggs: Eggs add moisture and binding properties. Don’t skip them or replace them with substitutes without adjustments.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to dense bread. Combine just until ingredients are incorporated for a lighter texture.
- Not cooling properly: Removing the bread from pans too soon can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool in the pan for at least 5-10 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezing Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Can freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, then reheat slices for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy warm!
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Chocolate Zucchini Bread:
How do I make my Chocolate Zucchini Bread more chocolatey?
You can add extra chocolate chips or even swirl in chocolate syrup before baking for an extra chocolatey treat!
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture. You may want to combine half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.
Is Chocolate Zucchini Bread healthy?
While it contains sugar and oil, zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. Enjoy it as an occasional treat within a balanced diet!
How do I store leftover Chocolate Zucchini Bread?
For best results, store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Zucchini Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert! You can customize this recipe by adding nuts or different spices like ginger. Try this comforting recipe today; you’ll love how easy it is!
Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Indulge in the delightful world of Chocolate Zucchini Bread—an irresistible fusion of rich chocolate and wholesome zucchini. This one-bowl recipe transforms simple ingredients into a moist, chocolatey treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With each slice brimming with chocolate chips and the subtle sweetness of zucchini, it’s a clever way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed at home, this easy-to-make bread is sure to become a cherished favorite.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two loaf pans by greasing them.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg until just combined.
- Fold in grated zucchini and 8 oz of chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter between loaf pans and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring to racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use fresh zucchini for optimal moisture. Do not drain the zucchini; its liquid is essential for texture. Enjoy variations by adding nuts or experimenting with spices.
