Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

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.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
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

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,

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

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

Other recipes you may enjoy

Whole Wheat Pizza with Veggies and Feta

Growing up, every Friday night was pizza night. I kept that tradition going even when I went off to college. My roommates and I would make pizza together with all different topping combos. My favorite is topping pizza with a variety of veggies! I was excited for this month’s Recipe ReDux theme of Pizza Party! I made this pizza Friday night with my boyfriend. It’s safe to say that is pizza is awesome considering it was devoured.


WW pizza RD2.jpg

Try this simple recipe for a healthy whole wheat pizza crust! Top your pizza with this healthy combo or create a new version with your favorite pizza toppings.


WW pizza RD1.jpg

Whole Wheat Pizza with Veggies and Feta

Makes 1 medium pizza, 8 slices

 

Ingredients:

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 packet yeast
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
 
Pizza Toppings:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 cup part skim mozzarella cheese
2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup red onion. sliced
3/4 cup sliced plum tomatoes
1/2 cup feta cheese

 
Directions:

1. Combine yeast, water, and 1 tsp sugar. Set aside and let sit for 5 minutes

2. In a stand mixer combine, 2 cups flour, salt, the rest of the sugar. Make a well in center and add the olive oil and yeast mixture.

3. Using the paddle on the stand mixer, mix ingredients until just combined. Then, switch to the dough hook and work for the dough for another 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining flour slowly until combined and until the dough starts to pull away from the side of the bowl.

4. Transfer the dough to a bowl lightly greased with cooking spray. Cover lightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes to 1 hour (dough should double in size).

5. Once the dough has risen, punch down the center of the dough. Lightly flour the pizza stone. Roll out the dough evenly. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.

6. Brush the dough with olive oil and garlic. Start assembling the toppings with half the mozzarella cheese, spinach, mushrooms, onion, remaining mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, and tomato.

7. Put the pizza in the oven and lower the temperature to 425 degrees F. Bake for about 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese has melted.


WW pizza RD4.jpg

 

WW pizza RD3.jpg

Look at those layers of toppings!

Screen shot 2014-01-21 at 3.57.23 PM.png

(nutrition facts based on calorie count – per slice)

 

 

Enjoy!

 Check out the other Recipe ReDux Pizza Party posts:




Screen shot 2013-12-17 at 5.28.33 PM.png

 

Whole Wheat Waffles

What to do on a snowy day? .. Make waffles of course! Had to experiment with my new waffle maker! I am so happy how these came out. These waffles can easily be frozen and toasted up again for an everyday breakfast. The nutrition breakdown of these waffles is great that they can become part of your daily breakfast options.


Screen shot 2014-01-03 at 1.11.03 PM.png

waffle RD2.jpg

 

These heart healthy whole wheat waffles are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Providing 6 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein, these waffles will power you through the whole morning.

Whole Wheat Waffles

Makes 5 waffles

 

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1 1/2 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tbsp nutmeg
2 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup liquid egg whites (or 4 egg whites)
2 cups unsweetened almond milk

 
Directions:

1. Preheat waffle iron.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, ground flax seed, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In a sperate bowl, combine the banana, egg whites, and almond milk. Slowly pour the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until combined.

4. Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Spoon the batter into the waffle iron and cook according to your waffle iron directions, until waffles are golden brown.

 


waffle RD1 .jpg

waffles RD3.jpg

Screen shot 2014-01-03 at 12.59.26 PM.png

(nutrition facts based on calorie count – 1 full waffle, no toppings)

 

 

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I know it’s not Fall yet .. but I am anticipating the PUMPKIN extravaganza that’s coming soon! I am obsessed with anything pumpkin. If you are too, definitely try these muffins!!
 

muffins RD 1.jpg

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Makes 12 muffins

 

Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree*
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling on top (optional)

* Make sure to get pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkin puree is purely pumpkin, whereas pumpkin puree has lots of sugar added.

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin tins with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, and sugar until blended and smooth.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture in batches, until combined. Do not over mix.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Spoon in the batter in the muffin tin, filling about 2/3 full. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let muffins cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tins.


muffins RD 2.jpg


Screen shot 2013-08-26 at 9.18.27 PM.png
(per muffin)

 

Enjoy!