
If you’re looking to sneak some veggies into your sweet treats, this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe is truly a game-changer. I absolutely love how moist and tender it turns out, thanks to the shredded zucchini weaving its magic throughout. Plus, the melty chocolate chips add little bursts of joy in every bite, making it a perfect snack or breakfast treat that feels indulgent but still wholesome.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to make without any complicated steps or ingredients. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, especially when zucchini is abundant in the summer. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe is just right for everyday comfort or sharing with friends at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender Texture: The zucchini keeps the bread wonderfully soft without being soggy.
- Easy to Make: You’ll appreciate how straightforward the steps are, perfect for busy days.
- Balanced Sweetness: The chocolate chips add just enough sweetness without overpowering the bread.
- Great for Using Up Zucchini: This recipe helps you turn an abundance of fresh zucchini into something truly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe comes from the simple, wholesome ingredients that work perfectly together. You don’t need anything fancy, but choosing fresh zucchini and good quality chocolate chips really makes a difference.
- All-purpose flour: Use a light scoop for fluffier bread but don’t overpack the cup to keep the texture just right.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your bread rises nicely and isn’t dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melting it first helps blend it smoothly into the batter for moistness.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to make it sweet without overwhelming the zucchini’s freshness.
- Large egg: Adds structure and binds everything together.
- Vanilla extract: I always use pure vanilla for that deep, rich aroma.
- Zucchini, shredded: The star ingredient – make sure to shred it finely and squeeze out excess moisture if your zucchini is very wet.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet works best to balance the bread’s sweetness and add melty goodness.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe — it’s such a flexible base. Give these variations a try to match your mood or what you have on hand; trust me, you’ll find your own favorites!
- Walnuts or Pecans: Adding chopped nuts gives the bread a delightful crunch; I sprinkle about a half cup in for texture contrast which my family adores.
- Spices: Try a pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside cinnamon for a warm, fall-inspired flavor.
- Gluten-Free Flour: I’ve swapped in a gluten-free blend successfully—just be sure it includes xanthan gum for the best rise and texture.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips; works great for allergy-friendly baking.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — this ensures it’s hot and ready when the batter is mixed. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter for easy release. I like to line mine with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking, especially if I’m sharing the bread as a gift.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking a moment to combine these dry ingredients evenly is key—it helps your bread rise consistently and ensures that every bite tastes balanced.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients and Add Zucchini
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter with sugar, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir it together until smooth, then fold in the shredded zucchini gently. I learned that folding instead of vigorous stirring helps keep the batter light and airy, which is perfect for that tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. Fold in three-quarters of the chocolate chips now, reserving the rest for topping. This way, you get pockets of melty chocolate inside and a pretty chocolate-studded top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for that extra appeal. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. If you notice the bread browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important because it allows the bread to set, making it easier to slice and savor each piece without crumbling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: I learned that mixing until just combined keeps the bread tender and fluffy, avoiding a dense loaf.
- Squeeze Moisture from Zucchini: If your zucchini is super watery, gently pressing it with paper towels prevents soggy bread.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the wet ingredients blend better, giving you smoother batter.
- Tent with Foil if Browning Too Fast: This simple trick prevents overbaking on the outside while the center finishes baking perfectly.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish when serving. Sometimes I spread a thin layer of softened butter or cream cheese on warm slices—this elevates it into a truly comforting treat that my family can’t resist.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon snacks. If you want something more substantial, I often serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I slice the bread into neat rectangles and arrange them on a wooden serving board with small bowls of nut butter, honey, and extra chocolate chips. This turns a simple loaf into a lovely sharing platter that always grabs attention!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I wrap leftover zucchini bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. It stays moist and delicious, but if your kitchen is warm, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge helps keep it fresh a little longer.
Freezing
One thing I discovered is that this bread freezes wonderfully. After it cools completely, I slice it and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a slice whenever you want a quick, sweet snack without thawing the whole loaf.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, either at room temperature or from the freezer, I like reheating slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warming them briefly in a toaster oven. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and soft texture, making it taste just like the first day.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen zucchini for this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe?
You can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the batter. Excess liquid can make the bread too wet and affect the baking time and texture.
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How do I prevent my zucchini bread from turning out soggy?
One key step is removing excess water from shredded zucchini by squeezing it gently in a clean kitchen towel or with paper towels. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake it fully without opening the oven door too early.
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Can I substitute the butter for oil in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil if you prefer. The bread will still be moist, though the flavor might be slightly different since butter adds richness and a subtle taste.
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How long does zucchini bread typically last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, zucchini bread usually lasts about 3 to 4 days. Refrigerating can extend its life up to a week but may dry it out a bit, so allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
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Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the bread’s structure.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to bring a little extra joy to ordinary days. It’s a warm hug in loaf form—moist, sweet, and just a bit chocolatey. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this as much as my family and I do. Give it a try—you might just find it turns into your new go-to comfort bake!
PrintChocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and delightful Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread combines the subtle sweetness of zucchini with rich, melty chocolate chips for a perfect snack or breakfast treat. Easy to make and great for using up fresh zucchini, this bread has a tender crumb, warm cinnamon spice, and a gooey chocolate surprise in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips (3/4 cup folded into batter, 1/4 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. Then fold in the shredded zucchini using a spatula until just combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ¾ cup of the chocolate chips carefully so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for a decorative, melty finish.
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Shredded zucchini can be lightly squeezed to remove excess moisture to avoid sogginess in the bread.
- Use room temperature egg and butter to better incorporate ingredients and improve texture.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil can keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
- To make the bread more moist, substitute half the butter with applesauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg