Name: Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups packed grated zucchini; 1 cup chocolate chips; Extra chocolate chips for topping (optional)

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You know when you just want chocolate but also wanna feel a bit virtuous? Chocolate zucchini bread is my go-to for those exact days. It sounds a little weird at first. Like, veggie in cake? Trust me, it’s so fudgey you won’t even remember there’s zucchini in it. Plus, if you’re hunting for a way to get that little extra veg into picky eaters (umm, or yourself) without them noticing, this is your golden ticket. Real talk: it’s easier than you think, comes out perfect almost every time, and folks will ask for seconds without a shred of guilt.

A Chocoholic’s Dream With a Little Extra

Alright, let’s chat about why double chocolate zucchini bread needs to be in your regular baking rotation. First off, chocolate is…well, you know, basically a life-saver. There’s so much goodness in dark chocolate—from all those antioxidants everyone raves about to the little energy boost it sneakily gives. I like to say, it’s got “good mood magic.” Zucchini might sound like a strange addition, but honestly, it’s a moisture miracle. It melts right in, so you’re not finding random chunks in your slice. Sounds odd, but you get super tender bread, big chocolate taste, and it even feels a bit healthier because, hey, veggies!

The secret? It tastes like a five-star dessert but you’re secretly stuffing your face with greens. Never thought I’d say that and mean it.

If you’re like me and can’t resist licking the spoon, please go for it. Batter is to die for.

What You’ll Need To Make It

Let’s keep it simple. Gather these and you’ll be halfway to chocolate zucchini bread heaven:

1 cup all-purpose flour (don’t pack it tight, just scoop and level)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola, whichever you like)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (this gives the bread more depth, trust me)
2 large eggs (room temp is best, but I won’t tattle if you forget)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups packed grated zucchini (no need to peel)
1 cup chocolate chips (plus a handful more for topping, if you’re bold)

You can swap out oil for melted butter, too. Or use half whole wheat flour if you’re feeling wild.

The Not-So-Fancy Baking Steps

Here’s what I do. And psst, it’s all by hand—no mixer needed.

First, preheat that oven to 350°F and grease up your loaf pan. In a big bowl, whisk your flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like a chunky old wooden spoon, but hey, use what you love. In a second bowl, beat together the oil and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla—give it a real whirl until it’s smooth. Dump the wet mix into the dry stuff. Stir it together just until you can’t see lumps, but don’t overdo it or your bread gets tough. Fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips. The batter’s supposed to be thick and a little ugly. Toss her in the pan, sprinkle those extra chips on top, and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done if a skewer poked in the center comes out mostly clean (a little chocolate smudge is just right).

Let it cool in the pan at least 15 minutes before you flip it out. Otherwise, chaos.

Easy Variations You’ll Want To Try

Maybe you’re feeling feisty? You can change this double chocolate zucchini bread up all sorts of ways. For one, toss in a handful of chopped toasted walnuts (classic move). If you want less sugar, reduce it a bit—honestly, the bananas and chocolate mask things well enough. Oh, you can also add a few tablespoons of peanut butter swirl in the batter for a real treat-the-child-inside kind of moment. Sometimes I’ve subbed half the cocoa powder for dark cocoa if I’m on a serious chocolate bender. Feeling “adventurous chef” today? Drop in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to make it taste almost grown-up. Kids probably won’t notice, but adults will think you’re a dessert wizard.

If you’re gluten-free, just swap in your favorite GF blend—works fine. Don’t let a missing ingredient hold you back on this one. Improvising is half the fun.

How To Store & Keep It Fudgy

So you actually have leftovers? It keeps on a plate covered in foil or plastic (not airtight, though, or it can get soggy) for up to 3 days at room temp. If summer heat is kicking in, fridge it. This double chocolate zucchini bread freezes like a dream too. I wrap thick slices in cling film then drop ’em in a freezer bag. Pull out a piece, zap in the microwave for 10 seconds, and it’s basically like you just baked it.

My tip: Don’t slice the whole loaf if you’re storing it long term. Slices dry out faster. Keep it as whole as you can.

Questions People Actually Ask

Q: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
A: Yep, absolutely. Same texture, just a slightly lighter color.

Q: Do I have to wring the zucchini dry first?
A: I don’t. Maybe if yours is super watery, give it a gentle squeeze. Most of the time, extra moisture is just fine.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: For sure, just check your chocolate chips are dairy-free. No other dairy in the recipe.

Q: Why did my bread sink?
A: That usually means too much mixing or oven temp was off. Don’t overthink it, it’ll still taste amazing.

Q: Can I double this for a crowd?
A: 100 percent. Just use two loaf pans or a big one and watch the bake time.

Ready For Your New Chocolate Obsession?

If you ever wanted a dessert that tricks your tastebuds, double chocolate zucchini bread wins the crown. It’s got the fudgy decadence of brownies, sneaky moisture from veggies, and enough chocolate to settle any craving. I promise it’s not fussy and you can mess around with the mix-ins all you like. If you want to follow a classic version, check out this Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe for even more guidance. Seriously, you just gotta try it—even my no-veg friends are now converts, and that’s saying a lot. Don’t wait forever (life’s short). Go bake yourself a loaf and enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite.