This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a tasty and secret way to sneak veggies into your snack! It’s moist, chocolatey, and packed with good-for-you ingredients like shredded zucchini and whole wheat flour.
Honestly, who knew you could make bread healthy and delicious? I love having a slice for breakfast or as a sweet treat. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing, but good luck with that! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This flour adds fiber and nutrients to your bread. If you don’t have it, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bread will be less wholesome.
Cocoa Powder: For a rich chocolate flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder. If you want a less intense chocolate taste, you could substitute half of it with carob powder.
Coconut Sugar/Brown Sugar: Both add natural sweetness, but coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index. You can also use regular granulated sugar or maple sugar if needed.
Maple Syrup/Honey: These natural sweeteners keep the bread moist. Agave syrup is a good alternative if you prefer a plant-based option.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is the star here! If you’re out, shredded carrots could work too, but they’ll change the flavor slightly.
How to Properly Grate and Prepare Zucchini?
Getting the zucchini ready is crucial for your bread’s texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a box grater or a food processor to shred the zucchini.
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Squeeze to remove excess moisture. This prevents your bread from being too wet.
By taking this extra step, you’ll ensure your bread turns out perfectly moist without being too soggy. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Why is it Important Not to Overmix the Batter?
Mixing your batter just enough is key to fluffy bread. Overmixing creates excess gluten, which can lead to a dense loaf. Mix until everything is just combined—some lumps are fine! This helps keep the texture light and airy.
Enjoy making your Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread, and feel good about every bite!
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out)
- ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 50-60 minutes for baking. After that, allow an additional 15 minutes for cooling in the pan before serving. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, you can prepare your loaf pan either by greasing it with a bit of oil or by lining it with parchment paper so your bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well combined—this helps to ensure the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Then, add the coconut sugar (or brown sugar), maple syrup (or honey), unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix—some lumps are okay! This keeps your bread nice and tender.
5. Fold in the Zucchini and Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini and the dark chocolate chips (if you’re using them). Be gentle with your mixing—just enough to evenly incorporate everything.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure it’s even. This will help it bake evenly in the oven.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once the bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy a slice warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your healthy, moist, and chocolatey zucchini bread! It’s perfect as a snack, breakfast, or guilt-free dessert.
FAQ for Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! Besides coconut sugar or brown sugar, you can use granulated white sugar or even agave syrup. Just keep in mind that different sugars can slightly alter the sweetness and texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
To store your Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I Freeze This Zucchini Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What Can I Substitute For Zucchini?
If you’re short on zucchini, shredded carrots can be a fantastic substitute! They’ll add sweetness and moisture to the bread, keeping it delicious and moist.
