This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a tasty way to sneak in some veggies! It’s moist, chocolaty, and packed with goodness thanks to the zucchini. Who knew healthy could taste so good?
Every time I make this bread, it disappears fast! I love having a slice for breakfast or as a snack. Just don’t tell anyone there’s zucchini in it—it’s our little secret! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and nutrients. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is best for a rich chocolate flavor. If you want a milder taste, you could use carob powder instead.
Coconut Sugar: Offers a caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar works just as well. For a lower-calorie option, you can also use a sugar substitute like stevia.
Maple Syrup or Honey: These sweeteners add moisture and flavor. Agave syrup is a great alternative if you need it to be vegan.
Grated Zucchini: This is key for moisture. If zucchini isn’t available, you could substitute with shredded carrots for a similar effect.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Bread Perfectly Moist?
For an extra moist zucchini bread, squeezing out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini is crucial. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
- Grate your zucchini using the large holes of a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- If you choose to add Greek yogurt, it can further enhance the moisture without extra fat.
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (optional for extra moisture)
Mix-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 50 to 60 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to let the bread cool for a bit after baking, so plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your batter is ready to bake. Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add in coconut sugar (or brown sugar), maple syrup (or honey), unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt (if using). Mix everything together thoroughly until it’s well blended and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
5. Add Zucchini and Chocolate Chips:
Now, it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini. Gently incorporate it into the batter. If you decided to use chocolate chips, fold those in as well for an extra chocolatey treat!
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious healthy chocolate zucchini bread!
8. Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze this bread for up to 3 months for a tasty treat anytime!
FAQ for Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! While whole wheat flour is great for added nutrients, you can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blends if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
If you can’t find zucchini, shredded carrots make a great substitute! They can provide similar moisture and sweetness to the bread without altering the flavor significantly.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your bread with nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Just be mindful of the additional moisture and adjust the flour if necessary.
