I absolutely love this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe because it’s the perfect way to sneak some veggies into a delicious treat without sacrificing any chocolatey goodness. The rich cocoa flavor combined with moist zucchini creates a loaf that’s tender, fudgy, and slightly sweet—basically the best comfort food for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this bread never disappoints.

When I first tried this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe, I was amazed at how the zucchini added moisture without making it taste “green” or vegetable-heavy. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up with common pantry staples, and you can customize it easily. You’ll find that it’s a crowd-pleaser, and perfect for gifting or meal prepping because it stays soft and indulgently chocolaty for days.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moisture and Flavor Balance: The zucchini keeps the bread super moist without overpowering the deep chocolate taste.
  • Simple Ingredients: You can make it with what you likely already have on hand, making it an easy go-to.
  • Multiple Uses: Perfect as bread, muffins, or cupcakes depending on your mood or occasion.
  • Kid-Friendly and Sneaky Veggies: My family goes crazy for it, and it’s such a smart way to sneak zucchini into their diet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role here—like the cocoa powder for that luscious chocolate flavor and the zucchini for natural moisture. When shopping, grabbing a good-quality cocoa and fresh zucchini helps ensure your bread is rich and tender.

  • All-purpose flour: It provides the perfect structure; spooning and leveling is key to measuring accurately.
  • Natural unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor—don’t swap with Dutch-process here!
  • Baking soda and baking powder: Helps your bread rise nicely with just the right texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.
  • Espresso powder: This is my secret weapon to intensify chocolate taste without a coffee punch.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These pockets of melty chocolate are what really take this bread over the top.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and provide moisture.
  • Vegetable or melted coconut oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender, coconut oil adds a subtle twist if you want it.
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds richness and extra moisture—plus a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter; adjust based on your desired sweetness.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it.
  • Shredded zucchini: Unpeeled works just fine and adds the moisture and veggies without fussing over prep.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe by tweaking ingredients based on what I have or the occasion. You can easily add nuts, swap sweeteners, or make it vegan-friendly without losing any of the deliciousness.

  • Nut Add-ins: I once tossed in chopped walnuts, which gave a nice crunch and buttery flavor that my family adored.
  • Sweetener Swaps: You can substitute coconut sugar or brown sugar if you want a deeper, caramel note.
  • Dairy Alternatives: Use almond or oat yogurt for a dairy-free twist that still keeps the bread moist.
  • Extra Chocolate Love: Try mixing in white chocolate chips for a fun color contrast and flavor surprise.

How to Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your loaf pan really well with nonstick spray—whether you’re using a 9×5 or 8×4-inch pan for a taller loaf, this step helps your bread release easily and keeps the crust from sticking. Set it aside so it’s ready when your batter is done.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Then stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This ensures everything is evenly incorporated, so you’ll avoid clumps and get perfect chocolate bursts throughout the bread.

Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk your eggs, oil, Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well blended. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to the batter.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together with Zucchini

Slowly pour your wet ingredients into the dry and gently whisk to combine, but don’t overmix—just enough to bring everything together. Then fold in the shredded zucchini carefully. Your batter will be thick—that’s normal and what you want for light, tender bread.

Step 5: Baking and Finishing Touches

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, depending on your pan size. To avoid an overcooked top, loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking. Start checking doneness around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick—when it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Once out of the oven, let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for an hour, and if you want, gently press a few extra chocolate chips on top for that pretty melty look.

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Pro Tips for Making Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

  • Use Fresh Zucchini: I learned that fresh, freshly shredded zucchini works best; frozen tends to add too much water, so drain it well if using frozen.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing toughens the gluten and dries the bread out, so stir just until combined.
  • Espresso Powder Magic: Adding espresso powder dramatically amps up the chocolate without adding coffee flavor—don’t skip!
  • Check Oven Temperature: Every oven heats differently; I once baked it too long and ended with a dry loaf, so keep a close eye starting at 45 minutes.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

A dark chocolate loaf cake is shown on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, with a green cloth in the background. The cake is sliced into two thick pieces, revealing a dense, moist texture filled with melted and whole chocolate chips. The top layer is uneven and rich in chocolate chips, showing a slightly glossy and dense surface. The whole loaf is rectangular with deep brown shades and scattered chocolate pieces throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

When I serve this bread, I love adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of softened cream cheese or mascarpone on the side for an extra indulgent touch. For an extra pop, a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a handful of fresh berries on the plate brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or milk for a simple snack. If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside really makes it feel like a treat. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or even whipped yogurt with honey works wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served this bread sliced thick alongside a platter of assorted nuts, cheeses, and fresh fruit for a casual get-together, and it was a big hit. For birthdays or celebrations, try turning the recipe into cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting—a fun twist that everyone loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 5 days, and it stays moist and soft all that time. If I know we won’t finish it quickly, I pop it in the fridge; it keeps even longer there but can dry out a bit, so warming slices before eating helps.

Freezing

Freezing this bread works beautifully—I wrap it tightly in foil then place in a freezer bag. Whenever I want some, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and sometimes warm it for 10 minutes in a 325°F oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

To reheat, I slice the bread and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven wrapped in foil. This refreshes the texture beautifully without drying it out, making it taste almost as good as fresh-baked.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen zucchini for this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze or blot out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy bread. Excess water can affect the bread’s texture and baking time.

  2. What’s the best cocoa powder to use in this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe?

    Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal because it reacts properly with baking soda to help the bread rise and develop flavor. Dutch-process cocoa won’t produce the same rise or flavor in this particular recipe.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Substitute eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer, use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives, and coconut oil or other plant-based oils instead of vegetable oil. The texture might vary slightly but the bread will still be delicious.

  4. How do I know when my Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is done?

    Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf around the 45-minute mark. It’s done when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid waiting until it’s completely dry, or the bread might become too dry.

  5. Can I double this recipe, and how should I adjust baking time?

    You can definitely double it! Use two loaf pans and divide the batter evenly. The baking time should stay roughly the same, but check after 45 minutes to avoid overbaking. If the batter is super thick, adding a splash of milk can help loosen it slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it balances health and indulgence with such ease—and that’s something we all appreciate. I genuinely recommend you give it a try; once you taste how moist and chocolatey it is, you’ll want to bake it again and again. It’s a cozy, satisfying treat that brings smiles and sneaky nourishment to any table.

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Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously moist and rich Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread that combines the wholesome goodness of shredded zucchini with intense chocolate flavor. This loaf features a perfect balance of cocoa, espresso powder to enhance chocolate notes, and semi-sweet chocolate chips for melty pockets of sweetness. Ideal as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, it’s easy to make and perfect for using up summer zucchini.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) shredded zucchini (no need to blot)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, and set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder until fully combined. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute evenly. Set aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable or coconut oil, plain Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredient bowl. Gently whisk until just combined without over-mixing to avoid a tough bread. The batter will be thick.
  5. Fold in Zucchini: Carefully fold the shredded zucchini into the batter until evenly distributed.
  6. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes. Halfway through baking, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The smaller 9×5-inch pan will bake closer to 45 minutes, while the taller 8×4-inch pan may require up to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. While warm, optionally press a few extra chocolate chips on top for appearance.
  8. Remove from Pan and Serve: Carefully take the loaf out of the pan and place on the wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  9. Storage: Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Notes

  • Freezing Instructions: Freeze baked and cooled loaf tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Special Tools: Recommended are a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan, box grater for shredding zucchini, glass mixing bowls, a whisk, silicone spatula, and cooling rack.
  • Doubling Recipe: Double all ingredients and divide batter between two loaf pans. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
  • Chocolate Zucchini Muffins: Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes then lower to 350°F (177°C) and bake 14–15 minutes more. Makes 10–12 muffins.
  • Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes: Fill liners 2/3 full and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 19–20 minutes. Frost as desired. Makes 12 cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Use natural cocoa powder, not Dutch-process, for best flavor.
  • Espresso Powder: Enhances chocolate flavor; can substitute 1 tsp instant coffee powder or omit.
  • Chocolate Chips: Essential for added sweetness and chocolate bursts.
  • Yogurt: Nonfat plain Greek yogurt is preferred; any plain yogurt or sour cream works.
  • Sugar: Adjust sweetness with up to 3/4 cup (150g) if desired.
  • Zucchini: No need to peel before shredding. Use a medium zucchini or about 1½ cups shredded.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 246
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 76.4 mg
  • Fat: 11.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33.2 g
  • Fiber: 3.5 g
  • Protein: 5.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37.6 mg

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