How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Zucchini Bread
American · Easy · 70 min · 10 servings
This moist and deeply chocolatey quick bread hides shredded zucchini inside, adding incredible moisture without any detectable vegetable flavor. It is the perfect way to use surplus summer zucchini and satisfy a chocolate craving at the same time.
Why this recipe works
This Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 70 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups shredded zucchini squeezed dry
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan. Shred the zucchini and squeeze it thoroughly in a kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale. Fold in the squeezed shredded zucchini until evenly combined.
Step 3: Combine and Pour
Sift the flour and cocoa powder together and fold them gently into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- vegetable oil → melted coconut oil for added flavor
- all-purpose flour → a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not squeezing enough water out of the zucchini which makes the bread dense and gummy
- Overmixing the batter which develops the gluten and results in a tough texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 5g protein, 38g carbs, 13g fat, 3g fiber.
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