This Super Moist Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a chocolate lover’s dream! It’s incredibly soft and rich, made with tender zucchini that you can’t even taste—just the chocolate!
I mean, who knew veggies could taste this good, right? 😂 I love to slice it warm and slather on a bit of butter. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or a tasty snack during the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your zucchini bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer a less intense chocolate taste, you could use a mix of cocoa powder and carob powder instead.
Unsalted Butter: Butter keeps the bread moist. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Together they create a sweet profile. You could use coconut sugar or other natural sweeteners as an alternative, adjusting amounts as needed since they may vary in sweetness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and tang. You can swap it with applesauce for a lower-fat option or buttermilk for a similar texture.
Grated Zucchini: Fresh, unpeeled zucchini is key here. You could also use shredded carrots for a different twist, but keep in mind it will change the flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Incorporate Zucchini Into the Batter?
When adding zucchini to your batter, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Grating it is quick, but make sure to squeeze out some moisture using a kitchen towel. If the zucchini is too moist, it can make the bread soggy.
- Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to remove excess liquid.
- Add it to your wet mixture so it combines easily without adding too much moisture.
This technique keeps your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread perfectly moist without being too heavy. Happy baking!
Super Moist Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, unpeeled)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided (about 1/2 cup for batter, 1/2 cup for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 55-65 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan followed by a complete cooling on a wire rack. Overall, you’ll have a delicious bread ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it with a little butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the bread later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that your leavening agents are well distributed throughout the bread.
3. Preparing the Wet Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Whisk them together until it’s nice and smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
4. Adding Zucchini and Sour Cream:
Mix in the grated zucchini and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the wet mixture until everything is blended well. This will contribute to the bread’s moistness!
5. Combining Ingredients:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep it airy and light!
6. Chocolate Chips Time:
Gently fold in about half of the chocolate chips to give the batter some delightful chocolatey goodness. The rest will go on top for extra chocolatey goodness.
7. Pour and Top:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly on top for a lovely finish.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in your preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!).
9. Cooling Time:
Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience is key to keeping it moist!
10. Enjoy Your Bread!
Slice and serve your super moist double chocolate zucchini bread. It’s delicious warmed up or at room temperature! Enjoy your tasty creation!
This bread keeps well wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage if any is left!
FAQ for Super Moist Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients and a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Wrap any leftover zucchini bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze in slices for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream with Something Else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works great as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use applesauce for a lower-fat option, keeping in mind it may add a hint of sweetness.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Yes! Feel free to add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You could also include dried fruits or even swap some chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips if you want a different flavor!