This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a tasty treat that combines chocolatey goodness with hidden veggies! It’s moist and sweet, making it a perfect snack or breakfast.
Who knew zucchini could be so sneaky? I love that it keeps this bread super soft without all the extra calories. It’s my secret weapon for getting more veggies into my day! 🥒🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture without overpowering flavor. It’s best to use fresh, medium-sized zucchini. If you’re in a pinch, yellow squash can work too.
Whole Wheat Flour: This gives the bread a hearty texture and more nutrients than white flour. For a gluten-free option, try oat flour or almond flour, keeping in mind the texture may differ.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives a rich chocolate flavor. You can substitute with carob powder for a caffeine-free option, though the flavor will be different.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners keep the bread moist. If you want a lower-calorie option, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia, adjusting for sweetness as needed.
Greek Yogurt: This provides moisture and protein. You can use any plain yogurt or even mashed banana for a different flavor if needed.
How Important is Squeezing the Zucchini?
Squeezing the grated zucchini is a crucial step! This helps remove excess moisture so the bread isn’t soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- After grating, place zucchini in a clean kitchen towel.
- Gather the edges to create a pouch and twist to squeeze out moisture.
- Don’t skip this step! It really makes a difference in texture.
Want to Make This Bread Even Healthier?
To boost nutrition, consider adding extras like:
- Chopped nuts for healthy fats and crunch.
- Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for sweetness and fiber.
- Using whole flaxseed or chia seeds for added omega-3s.
These additions can enhance the bread while also giving it your personal touch!
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread will take roughly 15 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can indulge in your tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and either lightly grease it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will help the bread come out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, take that zucchini! Grate it until you have 1 ½ cups. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is important to keep your bread from becoming too soggy!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures an even distribution of flavors and helps with rising.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and combined. Feel free to use a whisk or hand mixer for this!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! Fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips (if you’re using them) until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the prepared batter into your loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows each piece to hold together nicely.
8. Enjoy!
Slice up your Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread and enjoy it as a snack or a delightful breakfast treat. Share with friends or family, or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Instead of Maple Syrup or Honey?
Absolutely! You can substitute with agave syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. If using granulated sugar, you may need to add a bit of liquid to keep the bread moist.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Yes, feel free to customize your bread! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch, and dried fruits like raisins or cranberries work well too. Just make sure to adjust the total amount of other ingredients if you add too much extra.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Additionally, ensure the Greek yogurt is substituted with a plant-based yogurt.
