This moist gluten-free chocolate zucchini bread is a tasty treat that’s perfect for any time. You won’t believe there’s zucchini hiding in this deliciously sweet loaf!
I love how easy it is to whip up this bread. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing! A slice (or two) pairs perfectly with my afternoon coffee. Who can resist? ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition without altering the taste. If you’re out of zucchini, you can use finely grated carrot as a substitute. It works well and adds a lovely sweetness!
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. If yours doesn’t, add 1/2 teaspoon. You can also try almond flour for a nutty flavor, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, you could substitute with Dutch-process cocoa. It gives a darker color and milder flavor.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar offers a great balance of sweetness and moisture. For a healthier option, you could replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup—just adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.
Chocolate Chips: Optional but highly recommended! They bring an extra chocolatey touch. You can swap them with chopped nuts or dried fruit for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure the Bread Comes Out Moist and Delicious?
Getting the perfect moisture in your zucchini bread relies on a few essential techniques.
- **Prep Your Zucchini Properly**: Grate the zucchini and then squeeze out some excess moisture with a clean towel. This prevents your bread from becoming too soggy.
- **Don’t Overmix**: When combining wet and dry ingredients, only mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
- **Check the Oven**: Baking time can vary based on your oven, so start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. Remember, a few moist crumbs on the toothpick are perfect!
By following these tips, you can enjoy a scrumptious, moist, gluten-free chocolate zucchini bread that everyone will love!
Moist Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum; if not, add 1/2 tsp)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk (dairy or a non-dairy alternative)
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow for about 15 minutes to cool in the pan, plus additional time to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. In total, you’re looking at around 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish—worth it for this delicious loaf!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step is super important to ensure your bread comes out cleanly!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well mixed. This helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
3. Beat the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This will give your bread a lovely light texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, pour in the oil, vanilla extract, and milk into the egg-sugar mixture. Stir everything together until combined. Now, gradually take your dry mixture and add it to this wet mixture, stirring gently until it’s just combined. Remember, don’t overmix—this is key to keep the bread tender!
5. Add Zucchini and Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips (if you’re using them) carefully with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, but still be gentle as you don’t want to deflate the batter too much.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for an even bake. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This will make it easier to slice without it falling apart!
8. Enjoy Your Bread:
Slice up your moist gluten-free chocolate zucchini bread and enjoy it as a snack or dessert. The hidden veggie goodness adds moisture and nutrition, making it a treat you can feel good about!
Happy baking! Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the right texture in your bread!
Can I Substitute Eggs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Use two flax eggs for this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store your chocolate zucchini bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or even dried fruits like cranberries for added sweetness. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the right batter consistency!
