Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Last year I posted my favorite Zucchini Bread recipe that is more traditional and loaded with chopped walnuts. But this year I want to share with you my husband Paul’s favorite – Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread! Zucchini Bread recipes have been a beloved staple for generations and are a fantastic method to deal with the abundance of zucchini that summer often brings. Incorporating shredded zucchini into your baked goods is a clever way to add extra moisture and slip in some veggies! This fudgy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a moist, decadent loaf that blends rich chocolatey goodness with the subtle sweetness of zucchini, creating a treat that’s as satisfying as it is sneaky! Anybody who has had chocolate zucchini bread knows it’s more like chocolate cake or brownies than a normal quick bread. You could even bake them as cupcakes, frost with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, and no one would know that they were actually eating vegetables! I decided to keep it real and admit we are always going to want two loaves of this double chocolate zucchini bread – one loaf goes ridiculously fast at our house, and I find that there is always so much zucchini I don’t know what to do with it during the summer! This recipe can be halved to make only 1 loaf if you’d prefer, but it freezes beautifully, and besides, your friends and neighbors will adore you for sharing a loaf with them! For more of my favorite zucchini recipes, check out my Zucchini Bread with Walnuts, Zucchini Fries, Droolworthy Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Icing, Cheesy Zucchini Casserole, and Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread!

Why We Love This Recipe

The combination of grated zucchini and melted chocolate creates an irresistibly moist and fudgy texture, making it more like a rich chocolate cake than a quick bread! Whether you want to make this bread gluten-free, vegan, or with a healthier twist, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both first time bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and delicious treat!

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Unsweetened Chocolate – Provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bread. Zucchini – Adds moisture to the bread without overwhelming it with zucchini flavor; no need to peel, just grate and go! All-Purpose Flour – The base of the bread, giving it structure and stability. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread. Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture. Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda to give the bread its lift. Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the chocolate beautifully. Large Eggs – Bind the ingredients together, adding richness and moisture. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread while also contributing to its tender crumb. Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the bread extra moist. Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender, with a neutral flavor that doesn’t compete with the chocolate. Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors and adds a sweet, aromatic note. Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Studded throughout the bread, they melt into gooey pockets of chocolate goodness.

How to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Tips for Success

Overmixing the batter can lead to a tougher bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and then stop. Use the large holes on your box grater for the zucchini. This gives the bread the perfect texture and ensures the zucchini blends seamlessly into the batter. Sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a delightful crunch and a beautiful, crackly top. Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Whether you’re using unsweetened chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips, the better the chocolate, the richer the taste.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil or melted butter for a slightly different flavor profile. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note, while butter makes the bread richer. You can use dark chocolate or vegan chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer, or even mix in some white chocolate chips for a fun twist. I always love nuts in quick breads and brownies so I recommend adding some chopped walnuts or pecans – about ¾ to 1 cup should do the trick.

And if you’re in the mood for something truly indulgent, treat it like a chocolate zucchini cake and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.