Chocolate Zucchini Bread

If you’re on the hunt for a ridiculously moist, decadent treat, this Chocolate Zucchini Bread is the answer! With a rich cocoa flavor, a tender crumb, and flecks of fresh zucchini, it’s the kind of bread that disappears before it’s even cooled.

The best part? You’d never guess it’s loaded with veggies! This easy one-bowl recipe turns humble zucchini into chocolate magic, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sneaky late-night snack.

Whether you’ve got an overflowing summer garden or just crave something chocolatey and comforting, this is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s been a staple in my kitchen for years, inspired by my grandma’s classic but with a chocolatey twist.

Trust me—once you try a slice, you’ll want to make this all season long!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Super moist and tender thanks to fresh zucchini
• Rich, deep chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth
• Easy, one-bowl recipe with simple pantry ingredients
• A sneaky (and delicious!) way to eat more veggies
• Freezes beautifully for make-ahead treats

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Zucchini Bread

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Zucchini

The secret to this bread’s unbelievably moist texture! Shredded zucchini melts right into the batter, leaving no veggie taste—just moisture and tenderness. Use small or medium zucchini for best results and don’t peel them; the skin adds color and nutrients. Make sure to squeeze out excess water after grating so the bread isn’t too wet.

Cocoa Powder

This is what gives the bread its bold chocolatey flavor. Opt for unsweetened natural cocoa powder for a rich, classic taste. Dutch-processed cocoa will make the bread even darker and more intense—feel free to use what you have on hand.

Chocolate Chips

Studding the batter with chocolate chips takes the decadence up a notch! Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the perfect melty bites. You can also swap in chopped chocolate or white chocolate chips for a twist.

Oil

Oil keeps the bread moist and tender, even after a day or two. Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work great, but you can also use melted coconut oil for a hint of extra flavor.

Greek Yogurt

A touch of Greek yogurt adds richness and helps keep the loaf soft without weighing it down. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try sour cream or plain yogurt for a similar result.

Instructions for Chocolate Zucchini Bread

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures your bread rises evenly and is lump-free.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt, whisking until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

Combine and Fold

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix, or your bread may turn out dense.

Add Zucchini and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the shredded, well-drained zucchini and chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed, but avoid over-mixing.

Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a bakery-worthy finish. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The bread will be just as moist and delicious—nobody will suspect a thing!

Dairy-Free Delight

Replace Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond milk yogurt) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You’ll still get that same rich, tender crumb.

Double Chocolate Hazelnut

Add 1/2 cup of chopped toasted hazelnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor. You can also swirl in a couple tablespoons of chocolate-hazelnut spread on top before baking for a decadent twist.

Orange Zest Surprise

Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to bring a bright, citrusy note to the chocolate—perfect for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Mini Loaves or Muffins

Divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins for adorable, grab-and-go treats! Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes for muffins, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Chocolate Zucchini Bread warm with a generous pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese. For an extra special treat, serve it with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair with a hot cup of coffee, cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds until just warm. To freeze, wrap cooled bread or slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Zucchini Bread (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to peel the zucchini first?
A: Nope! Leave the peel on for extra color and nutrition. Just wash well and grate.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
A: Yes, you can swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. The bread will be a bit heartier but still moist.

Q: Why is my bread soggy in the middle?
A: This usually happens if the zucchini wasn’t squeezed dry enough, or if the bread needed a few more minutes in the oven. Be sure to press out excess moisture and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Ready for the most irresistible way to use up zucchini? This Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a total crowd-pleaser—rich, fudgy, and secretly packed with veggies. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating to let me know how you liked it!