Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Baked Goods, Breakfast & Brunch, Dairy Free, Freezer Friendly, Make ahead, Nut Free, Recipes, Vegetarian
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Do you have an overabundance of zucchini from your garden or the farmer’s market? Turn it into this delicious Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread. With only a hint of sweetness, this can be enjoyed with any meal or snack.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread on a marble slab

I tend to enjoy cooking more as you can adjust the taste as you go and have more control throughout the process of a dish during the cooking process. For me, baking (especially when developing a new recipe), is much more intimidating. Why? Because you measure, mix, pour into a pan… and then hope for the best! Once that timer goes off you find out if it’s a win or a flop.

This quickbread is a little denser than regular quick bread, as I used half whole wheat flour. When I bake I try to squeeze in whole grains where I can. My favorite whole grain flours to bake with are whole wheat flour and oat flour. I’ve also been experimenting with almond flour and coconut flour too, which totally throw you for a curveball because they have very different baking properties.

Why We Love Zucchini 

Just like most green vegetables, zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C. 

It can be cooked in so many ways, including baking. You can eat it raw or cooked. 

If you have little ones, because of its mild taste you can sneak these veggies into baking recipes and they won’t even know it’s there but still get added nutrition!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread sliced on a marble slab

When is Zucchini in Season and the Freshest?

Zucchini is primarily considered a summer veggie with its peak season being June through late August. However, most local markets and stores have zucchini available year-round, which is great because zucchini bread is popular around the fall, winter, and other holidays. 

What You Need For Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

eggs

unsweetened applesauce

brown sugar

vanilla extract

whole wheat flour

all-purpose flour

salt

baking soda

baking powder

cinnamon

shredded zucchini

chocolate chips

How to Make Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips 

Prep your loaf pan by spraying some non-stick spray. You can also use parchment paper if you choose. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Start by shredding the zucchini. Once you are finished try to get rid of as much moisture as possible by pressing firmly with paper towels. 

Whisk together the eggs, sugar, applesauce, and vanilla in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth. 

Grab another mixing bowl and sift together your flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. 

Gently fold in the zucchini, being careful not to overmix. By folding the zucchini in you don’t have to worry about clumps, instead you will get a little bit in every bite.

Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the egg mixture slowly while constantly stirring. Add just a little at a time. 

Toss in the chocolate chips and fold just until they are distributed evenly. 

Pour the zucchini bread batter in the 9×5 loaf pan. 

Bake for about 50 minutes. Check it with a toothpick to be sure that it is done. If it is, the toothpick will come out clean. 

Take the bread from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before transferring it out of the loaf pan. 

Cool completely before slicing so it doesn’t fall apart.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread on a marble slab with chocolate chips sprinkled on top and around the loaf

Variations of Zucchini Bread 

  • Want to make banana zucchini bread? Simply swap the applesauce for mashed bananas!
  • Feel free to use any variety of chocolate (white, semi-sweet, dark, or milk). 
  • Add in some nuts for a nice crunch! Walnuts are my favorite to add to quick bread recipes.

Tips for Baking with Zucchini 

  • Do you have to peel zucchini before using it? Nope! Generally speaking, zucchini is not a veggie that needs peeling before eating. 
  • Zucchini contains a lot of moisture, so always follow the recipe when it comes to knowing whether or not to leave it or to remove as much as possible. 
  • To shred zucchini, you can use one of the sides of your cheese grater so no fancy equipment needed! 

How to Store Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips 

Wrap the zucchini loaf in plastic wrap and you can store it at room temperature for at least 4 days. You can also refrigerate it if you would rather do that. 

To freeze, secure the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Some also prefer to wrap it in another layer using aluminum foil. Freezing for later is a great idea when making multiple batches or if you want to make it ahead of time for special occasions.

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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread on a marble slab with a knife and napkin

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
  • Category: baked goods
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

3 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 zucchinis)
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
  2. Shred zucchini. Using paper towels press as much moisture you can from the zucchini.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Fold zucchini into flour. This will help zucchini being dispersed throughout the bread vs. clumping together.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, mixing until well combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle and comes out clean.
  8. Remove the bread from the oven, and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before taking it out of the loaf pan. Cool completely before slicing.

Keywords: zucchini bread, zucchini, chocolate chips, baking, whole grain,

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This recipe was originally posted in 2013. The recipes, images, and content have been updated.

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Whole Grain Orange Cranberry Bread

Baked Goods, Breakfast & Brunch, Dietary, Fall, Freezer Friendly, Holiday, MAIN DISHES, Make ahead, Nut Free, PREP, Recipes, Seasonal, Snacks, Vegetarian, Winter
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Have your house smell like the holiday season when you bake this Whole Grain Orange Cranberry Bread. Bake loaves as holiday gifts that your friends and family will love and they won’t even know it’s lightened up!

Orange cranberry bread on a white serving tray next to an orange half


I absolutely love baking during this time of year. Many gifts I like to give come in the form of food. When I was younger, I used to help my mom bake mini quickbreads to give to our neighbors, teachers, mailman, etc. to spread the holiday cheer. They were always wrapped with a nice bow and a little note attached. Everyone likes a homemade treat to enjoy during the hectic holiday season.


I’ve been playing around with using different types of flours in my baking recipes lately. I have not yet mastered understanding gluten free flours yet (I’m talking to you coconut flour – you dry crumbly mess!), but I am getting better with other whole grain flours.


Do you love baking as much as I do? I try to incorporate more whole grains vs. refined grains into my daily diet and during the holiday season, I do love baking, so why not add some whole grains here too!

The orange-cranberry combo is such a classic and always reminds me of the holiday season. While the holiday season may bring some indulgences with it, you still can make recipes taste indulgent with a healthy twist like this whole grain orange cranberry bread, by switching to whole grains, trimming back on sugar, and adding wholesome fruit.

top shot of healthy cranberry bread next to cranberries and an orange

What is White Whole Wheat Flour?

The look of this recipe may be deceiving when I tell you I used a whole wheat flour. Hmmm.. shouldn’t it be browner? Enter – White WholeWheat Flour. Sounds like a contradiction, right?

White wheat is a different type of wheat that has no major genes for bran color (unlike traditional “red” wheat which has one to three bran color genes). An easy way to think of it is as a sort of albino wheat. The bran of white wheat is not only lighter in color but it’s also milder in flavor, making whole white wheat more appealing to many people accustomed to the taste of refined flour.

The term “white flour” has often been used to mean “refined flour,” so “whole white wheat flour” sounds like a contradiction in terms. But it is simply WHOLE flour – including the bran, germ and endosperm – made from WHITE wheat. – source, Oldways

White whole wheat flour is a whole grain and a much easier solution to add in whole grains into your favorite baking recipes without compromising appearance, taste, and texture.

I’ve noticed in baking white whole wheat flour is not as dense as a regular whole wheat flour, but more of the perfect balance in between of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.

healthy cranberry quick bread sliced and ready to serve

Ingredients Needed For Healthy Cranberry Bread

white whole wheat flour

sugar

 salt

 baking powder

 baking soda

Oranges – these are going to be juiced and zested, so skip the store bought

 milk – you can use dairy or plant based, your choice!

Greek yogurt

 eggs

 vanilla extract

cranberries

For the glaze:

orange juice

powdered sugar

two slices of whole grain cranberry bread on a small plate next to the loaf

Bake up this delicious Whole Grain Orange Cranberry Bread from @ChefJulie_RD
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How To Make Whole Grain Cranberry Orange Bread 

Prep your loaf pan by spraying with non-stick spray or use parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

In a medium-size mixing bowl sift together the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. 

Using an electric mixer (hand or stand) combine the orange juice, milk, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. 

Once it’s smooth, add the dry ingredients into the wet and continue mixing.

Fold in the cranberries. 

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This should take about 35 to 40 minutes. 

Once the cranberry bread has finished baking, allow it to cool on a baking rack while you make the glaze. 

Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and orange juice. Then drizzle on top! You want to be sure the loaf has cooled some or else the glaze will just run off. 

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

While fresh cranberries have the best flavor, you can use frozen if that’s what you have. Be sure they are thawed completely before using and try to remove as much excess water as you can.

Health Benefits of Cranberries:

Cranberries naturally contain the flavonoid, proanthocyanidin (PAC) and other polyphenols that have potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease. Plus, just one cup of fresh cranberries contain 5.1 grams of fiber, 94 mg of potassium, and over 20% of the Daily Value for vitamin C. Nutrition information provided by the Cranberry Institute. 

Orange Cranberry Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen #wholegrain #orange #cranberry #bread #quickbread #loaf #baking #seasonal #healthy #bakedgoods #holiday #healthyholiday


I caught myself cutting off a piece here and there every time I walked through the kitchen. Get ready friends and family, this Whole Grain Orange Cranberry Bread is going to be delivered to you with a ribbon and a special note from me this holiday season!

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whole grain orange cranberry bread sliced on a white platter

Whole Grain Orange Cranberry Bread

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Yield: 8–12 1x
  • Category: quickbread, holiday
Print Recipe

Description

Have your house smell like the holiday season when you bake this Whole Grain Orange Cranberry Bread. Bake loaves as holiday gifts that your friends and family will love and they won’t even know it’s lightened up!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 2 oranges, juiced and zest (reserving 1 tbsp juice)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups fresh cranberries, chopped
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 tbsp reserved orange juice
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray, set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together white whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  3. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat together orange juice, milk, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients slowly, until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
  4. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center, comes out clean.
  5. Let cool on a rack. Meanwhile whisk together the reserved orange juice and powdered sugar. Drizzle on top of the loaf. Slice and enjoy!

Keywords: quickbread, holiday, orange cranberry

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Chef Julie Harrington, RD - Culinary Nutrition Consultant of chefjulierd.com

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Healthy cranberry loaf bread next to cranberries and orange half with text overlay
 

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Dave’s Killer Bread

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Avocado toast, sandwiches, french toast – what bread should you use? Look for a hearty whole grain like bread like this week’s Supermarket RD’s Pick: Dave’s Killer Bread.
Supermarket RD's Pick: Dave's Killer Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenDisclosure: Dave’s Killer Bread did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.
The bread aisle can be very confusing at the grocery store. There are just too many to choose from. Multi-grain, whole grain, 17 seed grain – how do you know what is a healthy choice? First off, choose a whole grain.
Following is the official definition of whole grains, approved and endorsed by the Whole Grains Council in May 2004:*
Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed in their original proportions. If the grain has been processed (e.g., cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should deliver the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed.
This definition means that 100% of the original kernel – all of the bran, germ, and endosperm – must be present to qualify as a whole grain.

It’s #wholegrainsmonth! Choose Dave’s @KillerBread – a #SupermarketRD pick with killer taste! #spotwholegrains

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Supermarket RD's Pick: Dave's Killer Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen{via}

I’ve featured a bread company for one of my picks before. Do you remember how to make sure your whole grain bread is truly a whole grain bread? The first word that should be listed is the word “whole”. That is ensuring that the bran, germ, and endosperm are all present.
Look out for the word “enriched” that often creeps in before the word “whole” on the ingredient list. This means that niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, and iron are added in because the key nutrients coming from the bran and germ were stripped out in the first place during the refining process. Enriched bread offers benefits over your standard white bread, but going for a less processed option with it’s natural nutritious ingredients is your best bet.
Supermarket RD's Pick: Dave's Killer Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenSo, why is this Dave’s Killer Bread my pick? It’s packed with all kinds of whole grains: whole wheat flour, millet, barley, spelt, brown rice, rye, amaranth, kamut, quinoa, buckwheat, sorghum, plus more! Plus packed with seeds like flax seed, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and more! It’s so hearty which will help keep you full.

Supermarket RD's Pick: Dave's Killer Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen{via}

They also varieties in thin-sliced! Skip those low cal, cardboard tasting breads in the aisles and try Dave’s Killer Bread, thin-sliced. You get the same hearty, wholesome, and filling ingredients, but simply less calories.

Supermarket RD's Pick: Dave's Killer Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenAlong with a delicious product, Dave’s Killer Bread has an awesome story. They believe everyone is capable of greatness and they believe in the power of reinvention, and are committed to turning second chances into lasting change. Learn more about their story here.
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Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread

Baked Goods, Breakfast & Brunch, Dietary, Gluten Free, MAIN DISHES, Make ahead, PREP, Recipes
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Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread! This low-sugar bread option is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenOne of my friends has been bringing me all kinds of goodies from her garden. I am in garden envy because my green thumb is not doing that well this year. I do have some peppers that are almost ready to be harvested and mint is completely taking over, but I think my zucchini plant is dead – womp!
Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenI don’t always bake gluten free goodies, but I had an opened bag of Bob’s Red Mill gluten free 1-to-1 baking flour.  Gluten free baking can be tricky but this 1-to-1 mix makes it extremely easy.

Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread – low sugar, low fat – perfect for #breakfast or dessert #glutenfree

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Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenI love zucchini bread and banana bread, so why not mix them together? This is a low-fat, low-sugar quick bread that can be part of a balanced breakfast or enjoyed as dessert. Breakfast suggestion: crumble zucchini banana bread on yogurt with fresh fruit.
Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

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Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread sliced on a white plate

Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 12 1x
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten free flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously spray inside loaf pan with cooking spray.
  2. Squeeze shredded zucchini of excess water with a paper towel.
  3. In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Toss with zucchini until zucchini shreds are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
  4. In another bowl of an electric mixer, add mashed banana, oil, maple syrup, vanilla and eggs; mix until smooth. Add applesauce and yogurt and beat again until well combined. Gently mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. Add to loaf pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
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Gluten Free Zucchini Banana Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

Supermarket RD’s Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread

Grocery Store Finds
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There are so many options of sliced bread in the aisles at the grocery store, so which one do you choose? Vermont Bread Company is one of my top choices, making this a Supermarket RD’s Pick.

Supermarket RD's Pick - Dietitian approved items that you can find in the grocery store! #rdchatThe whole grain bread conundrum can get very confusing for shoppers as they walk down the aisles looking at all the different kinds of sliced bread. Sitting next to each other on the shelves are whole wheat bread, whole grain bread, multi grain bread, 15 grain bread, light whole wheat bread, etc. They are all brown in color, so they must all be a healthy choice, right? Wrong!
Supermarket RD's Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

Following is the official definition of whole grains, approved and endorsed by the Whole Grains Council in May 2004:*
Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed in their original proportions. If the grain has been processed (e.g., cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should deliver the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed.
This definition means that 100% of the original kernel – all of the bran, germ, and endosperm – must be present to qualify as a whole grain.

Supermarket RD's Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

Have you checked the ingredient list on your whole wheat bread? #VermontBreadCompany is a good choice, making it a #SupermarketRD Pick

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So, is whole wheat the same as whole grain? Whole wheat is one kind of whole grain, so all whole wheat is whole grain, but not all whole grain is whole wheat.
Supermarket RD's Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenAnother key item to look at when you are choosing whole wheat bread is the ingredient list. The first word that should be listed is the word “whole”. That is ensuring that the bran, germ, and endosperm (pictured above) are all present.
Look out for the word “enriched” that often creeps in before the word “whole” on the ingredient list. This means that niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, and iron are added in because the key nutrients coming from the bran and germ were stripped out in the first place during the refining process. Enriched bread offers benefits over your standard white bread, but going for a less processed option with it’s natural nutritious ingredients is your best bet. 
Supermarket RD's Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenI like Vermont Bread Company’s whole wheat bread, because like all other ingredient lists, the shorter the list the better! Plus, it is made from ingredients that I know what they are and I can pronounce, while it’s competitor whole wheat bread has a laundry list of ingredients, with ingredients that I don’t even know what they are, plus 5 ingredients that are added sugars.
Sadly, some “wheat breads” have added molasses, brown sugar, or even dye to create a rich brown color, to get the consumer to assume that it is a whole wheat choice.
Supermarket RD's Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenThe bread it soft and fluffy making it perfect for sandwich making, sturdy for french toast, or great for a sunbutter & jelly sandwich.
Supermarket RD's Pick: Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Bread via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
SignatureDisclosure: Vermont Bread Company did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.
references: whole grain council