Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate chip zucchini bread offers the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and spice. The zucchini keeps the bread wonderfully soft and tender while adding a nutritious element. The warm flavors from the cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom mix beautifully with the rich chocolate chips and walnuts. Plus, the optional sparkling sugar topping gives the bread a crisp, sweet finish that adds to its irresistible charm. Whether you’re a fan of zucchini in baked goods or looking for a sneaky way to add some veggies to your diet, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

• ½ cup of neutral-tasting oil (such as avocado or sunflower)
• 2 large eggs (try using flax eggs if vegan)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (you can use ¼ less if you want it less sweet)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups of shredded zucchini (See Note 2)
• 2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour, white whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chocolate chips (70% cocoa is recommended)
• 3 tablespoons sparkling sugar or coarse sugar (optional, but highly recommended; use regular sugar if sparkling sugar is not available)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the oven and pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs (or flax eggs if vegan), brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare the zucchini:
   Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Do not peel the zucchini, but make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Set aside.
4. Combine the dry ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, baking soda, and baking powder.
5. Fold the zucchini and dry ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Add the shredded zucchini and fold it into the batter. Then, gently fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
6. Bake the bread:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If using sparkling sugar, sprinkle it on top of the batter for a crunchy, sweet finish. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve:
   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once fully cooled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 1 loaf, about 10-12 servings.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes.
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes.
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes.

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax seeds combined with 5 tablespoons water).
• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts if you have a nut allergy, or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Different Sweeteners: You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another sweetener of your choice.
• Dairy-Free: Ensure the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free if needed, as some chocolate chips may contain milk solids.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour if you prefer a lighter texture.

Can I leave the walnuts out of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can omit the walnuts if you don’t like them or have allergies. You can also substitute them with other add-ins like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

What type of zucchini should I use for this recipe?

You can use regular green zucchini. Make sure to grate it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the wheat flour. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture.

How do I know when the zucchini bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Why is it important to squeeze the moisture out of the zucchini?

Zucchini has a high water content. Removing the excess moisture prevents the bread from becoming too soggy and ensures the right texture.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, dark chocolate chips will work well in this recipe. They might add a slightly more intense chocolate flavor, but they will still taste delicious.

Is it necessary to add the sparkling sugar on top?

No, the sparkling sugar is optional. It gives the bread a beautiful finish and a slightly crunchy texture, but the bread will still be delicious without it.

Can I add other spices to the bread?

Certainly! You can experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for an additional layer of warmth and complexity.

Can I use frozen zucchini in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using it in the recipe.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip zucchini bread is a perfect blend of sweet and spiced flavors, combined with the goodness of zucchini and the richness of chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a way to use up extra zucchini, this recipe is a great choice. With a soft, moist texture and the crunch of walnuts, it’s a treat that everyone will enjoy. Plus, with the added bonus of a healthy twist, this zucchini bread is both satisfying and wholesome!

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