This Super Moist Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat! It’s packed with rich chocolate flavor and hidden veggies, making it a fun and sneaky way to enjoy zucchini.
Let’s be real, nobody will guess there’s zucchini in there! I love slicing it up for breakfast, and it makes my kitchen smell heavenly. Bake it and see the smiles it brings! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your bread. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it, and it works nicely!
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for that deep chocolate flavor. If you’re low on cocoa, you can reduce the quantity but the richness may vary.
Granulated & brown sugar: This combo adds sweetness and moisture. For a healthier twist, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the bread moist! If you prefer, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for lower fat.
Zucchini: This is what makes the bread moist without adding a strong flavor. You can swap it with shredded carrots or even applesauce, though zucchini is my top pick!
Sour cream or yogurt: Both add moisture! If you don’t have either, Greek yogurt will also work great. I actually prefer yogurt for a tangy flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Shred Zucchini?
Shredding zucchini is a breeze, but here’s how to make it easier and get the best results.
- Use a box grater or a food processor for quick shredding.
- Make sure to squeeze the shredded zucchini in a clean towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the bread stay fluffy!
- Don’t worry about peeling the zucchini; the skin adds color and nutrients!
How Can You Ensure Your Zucchini Bread is Extra Moist?
Maintaining moisture is crucial for this recipe. Here are some tips:
- Measure your dry ingredients accurately. Too much flour can dry out the bread!
- Avoid overmixing when combining ingredients; mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Add in extra chocolate chips or nuts to give more flavor and moisture. Chocolate is always a good addition!
Follow these tips, and your double chocolate zucchini bread will be a hit! Enjoy!
Super Moist Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), squeezed dry
- ¾ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 60-70 minutes to bake, plus 15 minutes of cooling in the pan. So, in total, you’ll need roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to make this delicious bread from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, and to make removal easier later, line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa powder.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs. Beat this mixture until it’s well combined and slightly fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Oil and Vanilla:
Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
5. Incorporate Zucchini and Sour Cream:
Next, fold in the shredded zucchini and the sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is fully incorporated.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Make sure to mix just until combined; overmixing can result in a dense bread, which we want to avoid!
7. Add Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in half of the chocolate chips and the optional nuts, if you’re using them. The chocolate chips add that delicious melty goodness!
8. Fill the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top for added chocolatey goodness.
9. Bake:
Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and Serve:
Once cool, slice your moist double chocolate zucchini bread and enjoy! It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and stays fresh for days when stored in an airtight container.
Enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and zucchini in this deliciously moist bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, the texture might be denser, so you may want to start with 1 cup of whole wheat flour and ½ cup of all-purpose flour to maintain moisture and lightness.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Omit the Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free bread or reduce the amount of chocolate chips if you’d like it less sweet. You could also swap in different mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut, depending on your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Squeeze Moisture from Zucchini?
To remove excess moisture from shredded zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and twist to squeeze out the liquid. This step is crucial to ensure that your bread doesn’t turn out soggy!
