This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a tasty treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with secret veggie goodness! The zucchini keeps it moist while adding extra nutrients.
Who knew chocolate could be so sneaky? I love how my kids gobble it up without even knowing they’re eating veggies. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s a win-win!
I find it super easy to whip up; just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s great to have a treat that feels special but has some health perks too. Can you say delicious and nutritious?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This flour adds fiber to your bread. If you can’t find it, feel free to use all-purpose flour or even a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, Dutch-processed cocoa can work too, but it will change the color and flavor profile.
Coconut Sugar: This sweetener has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. You can also substitute brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand. It gives a nice caramel flavor!
Unsweetened Applesauce: This keeps the bread moist and reduces added fat. If you’re out, mashed bananas or yogurt could work as substitutes, adding a different flavor twist.
Greek Yogurt: It serves as a great sour cream alternative, boosting protein. If you prefer dairy-free, use a non-dairy yogurt for similar results.
How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Stays Moist?
To keep your healthy chocolate zucchini bread moist, you’ve got to use fresh zucchini and not skimp on squeezing out excess moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to squeeze out the excess liquid. This helps prevent a soggy loaf.
- Add the squeezed zucchini to your batter right before baking. This ensures you keep that moisture where it belongs!
For an added bonus, check the baking time a few minutes early to ensure you don’t overbake. This little tip will help keep it tender and delicious! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 50-60 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. All in all, you’ll have a delightful loaf ready in about 1 hour and 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First things first, let’s get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that happens, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of oil or cooking spray, or you could line it with parchment paper for easier removal later on. This helps ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, grab your whisk and combine the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix it well so the baking soda and baking powder are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs until mixed, then add the coconut sugar (or brown sugar), unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Bring It All Together:
Now, gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until you can’t see any more flour. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; that’s totally fine! Over-mixing can make the bread tough.
5. Add the Zucchini and Extras:
Time to fold in the grated zucchini! If you’re using chocolate chips or nuts, now is the moment to add them as well. Mix them in gently until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the Batter:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, making sure it’s spread evenly. This will help it bake evenly!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. It’s so tempting—try to wait!
9. Store It Right:
Enjoy a slice of your yummy healthy chocolate zucchini bread as a snack or breakfast treat! It stays delicious wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for up to a week. Happy baking!
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread FAQ
Can I Substitute Other Flours?
Yes! You can use all-purpose flour if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend can also work well, though it might affect the texture slightly. Just ensure to check the package for any specific recommendations.
How Can I Store Leftovers Properly?
To store leftover zucchini bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it where it will stay fresh for up to a week!
Can I Make This Bread Vegan?
Of course! To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based yogurt. The results are still tasty and moist!
Can I Freeze This Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the chocolate zucchini bread! Once it’s completely cooled, slice it, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster for a quick treat!
