Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of zucchini. This Easy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The addition of zucchini keeps the bread moist and tender, while the chocolate chips add an irresistible sweetness. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this scrumptious treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- ½ cup dutch-processed cocoa powder (50g)
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder or instant coffee
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (60ml)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups packed shredded zucchini (220g)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (180g)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
- Toothpick
Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, espresso powder, and salt. This ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, along with the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips. Stir until just combined. The batter will be very thick, so ensure all ingredients are well incorporated without overmixing.
Baking the Bread
- Transfer to Pan: Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs. This indicates the bread is cooked but still moist.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the rack, or until slightly warm before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Room Temperature Eggs: Use room-temperature eggs so they incorporate easily into the batter and don’t solidify the melted butter. To bring them to room temperature quickly, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.
- Accurate Measuring: Use a scale to measure your flour to prevent using too much. If you don’t have a scale, fluff the flour with a spoon, spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf. Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Pan Choice: Use a light-colored loaf pan to prevent the edges and bottom from browning too much.
- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, replace some chocolate chips with a handful of chopped nuts like toasted walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts.
- Pretty Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking for an attractive finish.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chocolate zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, individually wrap slices and freeze them. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture and taste may slightly differ.
Can I omit the espresso powder?
The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.
How do I prevent the bread from sinking in the middle?
Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, bake the bread fully; underbaking can cause sinking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and healthy zucchini. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a sweet treat while sneaking in some veggies. The rich cocoa flavor combined with the moist texture makes this bread a hit for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and delight your taste buds with every bite!