This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a fun way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your chocolate cravings! It’s moist, chewy, and packed with cocoa goodness, making it hard to believe it’s good for you!
The best part? You won’t even taste the zucchini! I love it for breakfast or a sweet snack, and it’s even great for sharing with friends. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is the secret ingredient. Its moisture keeps the bread soft. If you don’t have fresh zucchini, you can use frozen, just thaw and drain it well first.
Whole Wheat Flour: This gives the bread a wholesome texture. You can substitute with all-purpose flour, but you might lose some health benefits. A gluten-free flour blend can work too!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for that rich chocolate flavor. If you want a milder taste, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder. Just know it can change the bread’s color and slightly the flavor.
Coconut Sugar: I like coconut sugar for its caramel-like flavor, but brown sugar is a great substitute. It will make the bread a bit sweeter, which is nice too!
Greek Yogurt: This keeps the bread moist and adds protein. If you need a dairy-free option, try unsweetened almond yogurt or another plant-based yogurt.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Stays Moist?
To keep your chocolate zucchini bread moist, properly handle the zucchini! Grate it and then gently squeeze out some excess moisture; it’ll still retain enough water to keep the bread soft. Don’t skip the oil or yogurt, as they also add moisture.
- Use a box grater or food processor for even grating.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed to ensure a tender bread.
- A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs; don’t overbake!
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Key Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Sweeteners and Moisture:
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 50-60 minutes to bake. Once baked, allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. In total, you’ll invest around 1 hour and 25 minutes for a delicious and guilt-free treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly grease it. For easier removal later, line the pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, use a clean towel or paper towel to gently squeeze out some excess moisture. Set it aside for later.
3. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the coconut sugar (or brown sugar), maple syrup (or honey), Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, olive oil (or melted coconut oil), eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to beat everything together until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients! Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread nice and tender.
6. Add the Star Ingredients:
Carefully fold in the grated zucchini, and if you’re using them, the chocolate chips and chopped nuts. This is where all the deliciousness comes in!
7. Baking the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Then, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cooling:
Once baked, take your bread out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, enjoy your healthy chocolate zucchini bread as a delightful breakfast or snack! Store any leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Happy baking!
FAQ for Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Different Flours Instead of Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, but keep in mind that you might lose some nutrition. A gluten-free flour blend can also work if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement.
What if I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No problem! You can replace Greek yogurt with unsweetened almond yogurt or another plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option. In a pinch, you can also use sour cream or even additional applesauce.
How Should I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bread by adding nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. You can also experiment by swapping in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor!
