This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a wonderful treat! It’s moist, chocolatey, and sneaks in some veggies. Who would have thought zucchini could taste this good?
I love making this bread because it’s easy and everyone loves it, even the kids! It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can hardly tell there’s zucchini in there—shh, it’s our little secret! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Use medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry. For a twist, yellow squash works too! Just make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture for the best texture.
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and nutrients. If you’re out of whole wheat, try all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or oat flour, adjusting liquid content as needed.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives a rich chocolate taste. If you want a sweeter version, you can use Dutch-process cocoa, but it may slightly change the flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work well. For a vegan option, stick with maple syrup. You might also use agave syrup or coconut sugar for a different sweetness.
Greek Yogurt: It adds moisture and protein. If you prefer dairy-free options, use coconut or almond yogurt, or even mashed banana for a different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Zucchini?
Grating zucchini is simple! Just wash and trim the ends, then use a box grater or food processor. Here’s how:
- Position the grater over a bowl or plate for easy cleanup.
- Grate using the large holes for the best texture.
- Once you have enough, gather the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze out the excess moisture—this step is key to preventing a soggy bread!
Getting rid of the moisture helps achieve that perfect, moist texture in your bread without any unwanted sogginess. Happy baking!
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry)
- 1 ⅓ cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 50-60 minutes of baking time. Once it cools, you can dive right in! So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes altogether before enjoying this tasty treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make getting the bread out easier later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This gives the bread a nice flavor and helps everything rise!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk this together until it’s all well blended—everyone deserves a smooth batter!
4. Bring It All Together:
Now, gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; don’t overmix—this makes the bread nice and fluffy!
5. Add the Zucchini and Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the grated zucchini and dark chocolate chips (if you’re using them). Again, be gentle—just combine. The zucchini gives extra moisture and sneaks in some veggies!
6. Bake Your Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check it by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if it’s ready!
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the flavors develop even more!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy chocolate zucchini bread! It’s perfect as a guilt-free snack or a delightful breakfast to kickstart your day. 😊
FAQ for Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to your batter. This will help maintain the right texture in your bread.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chocolate zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Flour for a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it includes a binding agent (like xanthan gum) for the best results in texture. Adjustments may be needed for the liquid if using a different flour type.
Can I Reduce the Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes! You can reduce the maple syrup or honey by up to half for a less sweet bread, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that this may affect the bread’s moisture and texture slightly, so watch your baking time closely.
