This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with moist zucchini. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
I love how sneaky this recipe is—everyone will enjoy it without realizing they’re getting some veggies in! Just mix, bake, and enjoy a slice (or two)! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the show! Grated zucchini adds moisture and subtle flavor. You can use yellow squash as a substitute if zucchini isn’t available. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini for best results.
Flours: Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while all-purpose flour helps with texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, but check oven temperature and baking time.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives deep chocolate flavor. If you like it sweeter, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which is milder. Always choose high-quality cocoa for better taste!
Coconut Sugar: This is a healthier sweetener alternative. You can swap it with brown sugar or maple syrup if needed, but remember that liquid sweeteners may affect the dry-to-wet ingredient balance.
Greek Yogurt: It adds protein and moisture. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt or silken tofu can work as alternatives.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Bread is Moist and Delicious?
Getting that perfect texture in your zucchini bread involves a few key techniques. Here’s what to remember:
- Grate and Drain: Grate your zucchini and then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the bread from being too soggy.
- Mix Gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to toughness.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking your bread around the 50-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cooling: Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes so it sets properly, then cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain texture.
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread:
- 1½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time, plus additional cooling time. Plan for roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes until it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This will make sure your bread rises properly!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. Add the coconut sugar, unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and olive oil. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread tough!
5. Add Zucchini and Chocolate Chips:
Now, fold in the grated zucchini and dark chocolate chips (if you’re using them) until they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm or store it for later. It’s perfect for a snack, breakfast, or dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Coconut Sugar?
Yes! You can use light brown sugar or even honey or maple syrup. Just note that if using liquid sweeteners, you might need to adjust the quantity of dry ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many extras might alter the baking time.
Is it Necessary to Squeeze the Zucchini?
Yes, it’s important to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel. This will prevent the bread from becoming too wet and help achieve a better texture.
