This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a sweet treat that doesn’t make you feel guilty! It blends rich cocoa with moist zucchini, creating a deliciously soft loaf.
You won’t believe it’s healthy! I love sneaking this into breakfast or as a snack. Just remember to save a slice for later or it’ll disappear fast! 😋
Making this bread is a breeze! Just mix, pour into a pan, and bake. It’s a fun way to sneak some veggies into your day while enjoying chocolatey goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but I prefer whole wheat for added nutrition. It gives a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key. If you have an abundance, feel free to add a little more! Just remember to squeeze out extra moisture to prevent a soggy bread.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup and honey are both great. If you’re looking to cut sugar, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Oil: Coconut oil gives a subtle flavor, but olive oil is a healthier option. You could also try applesauce to keep it lighter!
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips add richness; however, for a lighter option, consider cacao nibs. They’re less sweet but packed with chocolate flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Grate Zucchini for This Recipe?
Grating zucchini is simple but can be tricky to get just right. Use a box grater or a food processor to shred it finely.
- Make sure to wash and trim the ends off the zucchini before grating.
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheese cloth, and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial for a non-soggy bread!
Grated zucchini can be a bit messy, but it’s worth it for the moisture it adds! Just be sure to keep it well-drained for the best results.
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for extra healthiness)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolate flavor but still healthy)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling before slicing. You can have this wonderful treat ready in under two hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even baking!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil (or olive oil), vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt (or applesauce). Mix until everything is smooth and combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold them together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy!
5. Add the Zucchini and Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the grated zucchini, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout the batter. If you’re using chocolate chips, now is the time to add them in too!
6. Pour into the Loaf Pan:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
7. Baking Time:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
8. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice into pieces and enjoy your moist, chocolatey, healthy zucchini bread! It’s fantastic on its own or with a little nut butter or cream cheese for an extra treat!
Your Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is now ready to share with friends, family, or just keep all to yourself. Happy baking!
FAQ for Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds extra fiber and nutrients. Just note that it may make the bread a little denser, which some people enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Eggs for a Vegan Option?
Yes! You can use flaxseed meal as a substitute: mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will act as a binder in the recipe.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits would be a great addition. You can mix in about ½ cup of your desired ingredients along with the chocolate chips for added texture and flavor!
