1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Squeeze the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater, then wrap it in paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess water. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy during baking.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip: If using melted butter instead of oil, ensure it cools slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs.
5. Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and airy. Fold in the grated zucchini and any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
6. Pour Into the Pan
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake Until Done
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
8. Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip Squeezing the Zucchini : Removing excess water ensures the bread stays moist but not watery.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa : Premium cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor significantly.
- Make It Ahead : Prepare the batter up to a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavors.
- Store Properly : Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Moist Chocolate Zucchini Bread is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of clever baking and wholesome goodness. With its tender crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and customizable options, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor this delightful creation! Don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below—we’d love to see how they turned out.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other articles for more dessert inspiration and easy baking ideas. Happy baking, and remember—life’s too short not to enjoy something sweet now and then! 🍴✨
