I absolutely love this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe because it’s that perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor with a sneaky boost of veggies. Whenever I make it, friends always ask if there’s any secret ingredient — and it’s just that shredded zucchini adding moistness and texture without being overpowering.
You’ll find that this bread works wonderfully for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Plus, it keeps really well, so you can enjoy a slice over several days without losing any of that tender crumb or chocolatey goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Rich: The zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist, so it never dries out.
- Chocolatey Goodness: Double chocolate with cocoa powder and chips layers flavor for chocolate lovers.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together quickly, perfect for beginner bakers.
- Versatile: Great as a bread, muffins, or cupcakes—one recipe, many options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully in harmony to give you a tender, chocolate-packed zucchini bread with just the right amount of sweetness and texture. When shopping, pick high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips to really elevate the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Use spooned and leveled for accurate measurement and fluffier bread.
- Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Not Dutch-process—this helps keep the bread’s acidity balanced.
- Baking soda & baking powder: These give just the right rise without making the loaf too airy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.
- Espresso powder: A small addition that deepens the chocolate taste—trust me on this one.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Don’t skip these! They add lovely melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
- Eggs: Bind the bread and add richness.
- Vegetable or melted coconut oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and tang, making the bread super tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Shredded zucchini: The star ingredient for moisture and a bit of veggie goodness—no need to peel or blot!
Variations
I love to tweak this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for. Feel free to customize and make it your own—there’s so much room to play with flavors and add-ins!
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch contrast that my family goes crazy for.
- Vegan Swap: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil and dairy-free yogurt to make it plant-based.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder adds a unique warmth to the chocolate flavor.
- Frosted Cupcakes: Bake in cupcake liners and top with chocolate buttercream for a fun dessert twist.
How to Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease your loaf pan well. I prefer an 8×4-inch pan for a taller loaf, but a 9×5-inch works just fine, too. Having everything measured and ready makes the process smoother and speeds up mixing.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder until combined. Then mix in the chocolate chips. Getting this part right helps your bread rise evenly and ensures every bite has chocolate goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, plain Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The sugar will help the wet mix thin out a bit, making it easier to combine with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Bring It Together and Fold in the Zucchini
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently whisk until just combined—you don’t want to overmix here. Fold in your shredded zucchini; the batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you’re aiming for. Resist the urge to add more liquid; the zucchini adds plenty!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top lightly. Bake for 45–55 minutes—start checking around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Halfway through baking, cover the loaf loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour. While still warm, I love pressing a few extra chocolate chips on top for an inviting, melty look. Then, remove the loaf from the pan and cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips for Making Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can make the bread tough, so fold gently when combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Choose the Right Cocoa: Natural cocoa powder adds brightness and depth—avoiding Dutch-process keeps the acidity balance just right.
- Espresso Powder Boost: Just half a teaspoon amps up the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Check Early and Cover: Start testing at 45 minutes and cover with foil if the top browns too fast to avoid a burnt crust.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top while the bread’s still warm for that extra inviting melt and a bit of texture. Occasionally, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert option. For breakfast or snack, a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is my go-to pairing—both balance the intense chocolate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
When hosting brunch, I slice the loaf into thick pieces and arrange them on a wooden board with fresh berries. For a party, I turn the batter into cupcakes and use chocolate buttercream frosting, which everyone loves—plus, they’re easy to grab and go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store the leftover Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and fresh for about 5 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver with this bread. I slice it first, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping them in the freezer. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a chocolatey treat anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to warm slices briefly in the microwave (about 15 seconds) or pop them in a toaster oven until just warm and soft. This way, the chocolate chips regain their melty charm without drying the bread out.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen zucchini for this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw it completely and lightly blot excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This helps avoid a soggy bread texture and keeps the ratio just right.
-
What’s the difference between natural and Dutch-process cocoa powder?
Natural cocoa powder is a bit more acidic and lighter in color, giving baked goods a bright chocolate flavor. Dutch-process is alkalized to neutralize acidity, resulting in a darker color and smoother taste. This recipe works best with natural cocoa to ensure the right chemical reaction with the baking soda.
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can definitely try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, but be aware that texture may vary slightly. I recommend choosing a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure and adjusting baking times as needed.
-
Is it possible to double this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it slightly. Baking times remain roughly the same, but start checking with a toothpick at 45 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so dependable and delicious every single time. I love how the chocolate shines while the zucchini adds that secret moisture boost. If you’re looking for a treat that feels indulgent but sneaks in some veggies, this is it—give it a try and I guarantee it’ll become a new favorite for you and yours!
PrintDouble Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf; 10 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a rich, moist, and deliciously chocolatey quick bread that combines the freshness of shredded zucchini with the deep flavor of cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe yields a tender loaf with a thick batter that bakes up beautifully with a slightly crispy top. The addition of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, while Greek yogurt adds moisture and softness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) shredded zucchini (no need to blot)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8×4-inch loaf pan for a taller loaf using nonstick spray. Set the pan aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder until fully combined. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), Greek yogurt (or sour cream), granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Slowly pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk to combine until just blended—avoid overmixing. Fold in the shredded zucchini carefully. Expect a very thick batter.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. To prevent over-browning, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil halfway through baking. The 9×5-inch pan requires closer to 45 minutes, while the 8×4-inch pan needs around 55 minutes. Begin checking doneness around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few small moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan set on a wire rack for 1 hour. While still warm, optionally press a few extra chocolate chips gently into the top for decoration.
- Finish cooling and store: Remove the bread from the pan and place it directly on the wire rack to cool completely. Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the fully baked and cooled loaf, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Optionally warm to room temperature before serving.
- Special Tools: 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan, box grater, glass mixing bowls, whisk, silicone spatula, cooling rack.
- Doubling the Recipe: Double all ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. If batter is too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C), spray a 12-count pan or use liners. Fill liners to top with batter, bake 5 minutes at 425°F, then reduce oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake 14–15 more minutes.
- Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C), line a 12-count pan. Fill liners 2/3 full with batter and bake 19–20 minutes. Cool and frost with chocolate buttercream if desired.
- Cocoa Powder: Use natural cocoa powder, not Dutch-process for best flavor.
- Espresso Powder: Enhances chocolate flavor; can be substituted with instant coffee powder or omitted.
- Chocolate Chips: Essential for sweetness and texture, do not omit.
- Yogurt: Nonfat plain Greek yogurt is recommended, but full-fat, low-fat, vanilla, regular plain yogurt, or sour cream work well.
- Sugar: Use 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar; for a sweeter bread, increase to 3/4 cup (150g).
- Zucchini: No need to peel before shredding; one medium zucchini equals about 1.5 cups shredded. If using frozen zucchini, thaw and blot excess moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 76.4 mg
- Fat: 11.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.2 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5.4 g
- Cholesterol: 37.6 mg