Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, moist, and comforting. Whenever I have an abundance of zucchini from the garden or the market, this bread is my go-to way to transform them into a scrumptious treat that everyone adores. It’s ideal as an afternoon snack with coffee or an easy dessert that feels like a hug in bread form.

You’ll find that this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread recipe is incredibly forgiving and straightforward, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The shredded zucchini adds moisture and a subtle freshness, while the chocolate chips provide those melty pockets of joy throughout. It’s the sort of recipe you’ll want to keep handy all year round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from combining simple, everyday ingredients with fresh zucchini and a handful of chocolate chips. If you stick to the freshest zucchini you can find and use real butter, you’re already halfway to baking perfection.

• All-purpose flour: This provides the structure and perfect crumb for the bread—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy note that pairs wonderfully with zucchini and chocolate.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the bread rise nicely and keep it light.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
• Unsalted butter: I melt it for easy mixing and rich flavor; salted butter works too but reduce salt slightly.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the bread brown beautifully.
• Egg: Gives moisture and helps bind ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: This little splash brings out the depth in the zucchini and chocolate.
• Zucchini, shredded: The star ingredient! Make sure to shred it finely for even distribution and gentle moisture.
• Chocolate chips: I like semisweet, but you can go milk chocolate or even dark based on preference.

Variations

I love how versatile this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on what I have or the occasion. Feel free to mix and match flavors or swap out ingredients to make it your own.

• Add nuts: My family enjoys chopped walnuts or pecans folded into the batter for a satisfying crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Substituting in a gluten-free flour blend works well—just check that it contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Swap sweeteners: I’ve tried using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor; both are winners.
• Spice it up: Adding nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon gives a lovely twist, perfect for fall baking.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray — this step ensures your bread releases beautifully without sticking. I like to give it a good coat, sometimes even lining it with parchment if I’m feeling extra cautious.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute all the leavening agents and spices so your bread bakes evenly and tastes consistent in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Then fold in the shredded zucchini gently just until mixed — you want those tender strands in there without overworking the batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Add Chocolate Chips

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bread tender. Fold in about 3/4 cup of chocolate chips to evenly scatter that melty chocolate goodness inside.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top so they melt and create a beautiful finish. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

If your bread is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking — I learned that the hard way to avoid overly crisp edges. Once baked, transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple and classic by serving slices of this bread plain, but sometimes I spread a light layer of cream cheese or peanut butter on top for extra richness. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty touch for gifting or brunch gatherings.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, so I often serve it alongside those. For a heartier breakfast, I’ll add scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress guests, I slice the bread thinly and serve it on a pretty platter with small bowls of flavored butters or homemade jam. You can also cut it into mini loaf slices as bite-sized treats for parties or afternoon teas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature and usually it stays fresh for up to 3 days. After that, it can start drying out, so I’m sure to eat or freeze it quickly!

Freezing

Freezing works brilliantly if you want to keep a loaf longer—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. When I do this, it keeps its flavor and moisture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I simply slice and warm pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the bread’s softness nicely and brings out the chocolate’s melty magic again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread recipe has become my little kitchen secret for turning simple ingredients into something magical. I love how easy it is to whip up but still feels like a special homemade treat—every slice bursting with moist zucchini and gooey chocolate. You’ll enjoy sharing it with friends and family just as much as I do, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and make it your own!

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