Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bliss

$- Grated zucchini: You need about 2 cups, which is from 2 medium zucchinis. Grating the zucchini helps add moisture to the bread. It also makes the bread tender. Do not peel the zucchini; the skin adds color and nutrients. - Types of sugar used: This recipe uses both brown sugar and granulated sugar. Brown sugar makes the bread moist and adds a rich flavor. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a nice crust. The mix of both gives the bread depth. - Optional mix-ins: You can add chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Use 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet treat. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works great. If you like nuts, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture. If you prefer a nut-free version, just skip the walnuts. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to prepare zucchini First, grab 2 medium zucchinis. Wash them well and trim off the ends. Next, use a box grater or a food processor to grate the zucchinis. Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Set it aside for 5-10 minutes. This helps draw out extra moisture. After waiting, use a clean towel to squeeze out the liquid. This step makes your bread less soggy. Making the batter In a separate bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 large eggs. Beat these together until smooth. Then, add ½ cup of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently so you don’t overmix. It’s okay if you see some lumps. Finally, fold in the drained zucchini and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts if you like them. Oven settings and pan preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step ensures your bread won’t stick. Timing and doneness indicators Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Cooling tips Once your bread is baked, take it out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling it properly helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Slicing and presentation Slice your zucchini bread when it's cool. Serve it warm or at room temperature. For a special touch, dust it lightly with powdered sugar. You can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This makes your treat even more delightful! - Overmixing the batter: When you mix too much, the bread becomes tough. Mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay. - Not draining the zucchini properly: If you skip this step, the bread can be too wet. Squeeze out the liquid using a clean towel after salting the zucchini. - Gluten-free flour alternatives: You can use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. This keeps the bread tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. - Sugar-free options: Replace sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This makes it healthier without losing flavor. - Adding spices: Consider adding nutmeg or ginger. These spices add warmth and depth to the bread. - Using different types of chocolate: Try dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. Each type brings a unique taste to the bread, making it even more delicious. These tips and tricks will help you create a perfect loaf that pleases everyone! Pro Tips Grate Zucchini Efficiently: Use a box grater or food processor for quick and even grating, ensuring the zucchini mixes well into the batter. Moisture Control: Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini, as too much liquid can make the bread dense rather than light and fluffy. Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk, semi-sweet, or dark, to customize the sweetness and richness of your bread. Storage Tips: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. {{image_2}} You can change up your chocolate chip zucchini bread easily. Adding nuts or dried fruit can give it a nice crunch. I love using walnuts. They add a rich, nutty flavor. You can also add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness. If you want to mix up the chocolate, try using white chocolate or milk chocolate. Each type brings its own taste. You could even use a mix of different chocolates for a fun twist. Making this bread vegan is simple. You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, use one tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. If you want a low-fat option, swap the vegetable oil for unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the bread moist while cutting down on fat. Pair your chocolate chip zucchini bread with a warm drink. It goes great with coffee or a cup of tea. For a fun twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can slice the bread and toast it lightly, then spread some butter on top. Another idea is to serve it with whipped cream for a sweet treat. To keep your chocolate chip zucchini bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can leave it on the counter for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a better choice. When stored in the fridge, it can last about a week. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it up. This helps prevent sogginess. Freezing is a great way to save this treat for later. First, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag or container. This will keep out air and prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, take it out and let it defrost in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Just slice it before freezing for easy portions. When stored properly, chocolate chip zucchini bread lasts about a week in the fridge. On the counter, it stays good for three days. If you freeze it, you can keep it for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your delicious bread for as long as possible! Yes, you can make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! To prepare it in advance, allow the bread to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap it well and seal it in a freezer bag. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Checking for doneness is easy. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If wet batter sticks to the toothpick, it needs more time. Bake it for an additional five to ten minutes. Keep an eye on the top; it should be golden brown. Once done, let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before taking it out. Yes, you can use other vegetables. Carrots or squash work great too. If you use carrots, you may want to cut back on sugar a bit. If you choose squash, it will add a nice flavor. Just remember to grate them finely like zucchini. This keeps the texture smooth and moist. Each vegetable will change the taste slightly, but they all create a tasty bread! This guide covers making Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread step-by-step. We highlighted key ingredients, prep methods, and baking tips to ensure success. Avoid common mistakes like overmixing. Explore flavor variations and dietary adjustments for everyone. Don’t forget proper storage for leftovers, and check FAQs for more tips. Enjoy baking this soft and tasty bread. It makes a great snack or dessert. With these tips, you'll create a treat everyone loves. Happy baking!$

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bliss

A deliciously moist zucchini bread with chocolate chips and optional walnuts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 5

Total Time 1 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups grated zucchini
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
0.5 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
0.5 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the grated zucchini with a pinch of salt and set aside for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the zucchini to release excess moisture. Afterward, gently squeeze out the liquid using a clean kitchen towel.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk it by hand.
Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps remaining.
Fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips (and walnuts if using), making sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Slice the zucchini bread and serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert touch!

Keyword chocolate chip, dessert, zucchini bread