Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Name: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487264H37M30S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour divided; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups grated zucchini from 2 large or 3 small zucchini; 1 lemon zested; 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

By Adeline

Published on June 29, 2025

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Introduction to Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade bread, especially when it’s as comforting and delightful as this chocolate chip zucchini bread. Each bite offers a tender crumb, bursting with warm spices and sweet chocolate goodness. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini, transforming it into a truly indulgent treat.

I often bake two loaves. One disappears quickly, often before it even cools completely! The other, I usually hide away for a quiet morning coffee, or share with a neighbor needing a little pick-me-up. It always brings smiles.

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is a total winner in my kitchen. It’s so forgiving and comes together super fast. I adore how it uses up fresh zucchini, turning a humble veggie into something truly special. Plus, everyone raves about its moist texture and rich flavor. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or even a lovely dessert after dinner.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients for this bread always feels a bit like magic. Each item, simple on its own, comes together to create something truly extraordinary. This combination promises a moist, flavorful loaf.

Essential Elements for Deliciousness

All-purpose flour: This forms the delightful structure of our bread.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key here, balancing the earthy zucchini.
Baking powder & baking soda: They give our bread that perfect lift and tender crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
Large eggs: They bind everything together, making the bread rich.
Vegetable oil: For ultimate moisture, keeping our bread nice and tender.
Buttermilk: Adds a lovely tang and helps activate the leavening.
Grated zucchini: The star! It adds moisture and sneaky nutrition.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because, well, who can resist melting chocolate?

Flavor Enhancers and Spices

Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic bread flavor.
Ground nutmeg: A hint of this spice really elevates the taste.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall sweetness and aroma.
Lemon zest: A bright secret ingredient that really makes the flavors pop.

Substitutions and Tips

No buttermilk? No worries! Just add a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk. Let it sit for five minutes. You can also use oil or applesauce instead of some oil. If you prefer, dark chocolate chips work beautifully too. Remember, exact measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Making this delightful chocolate chip zucchini bread is super straightforward. I promise you’ll find these steps easy to follow. We’ll break it down so your bread turns out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab two 9×5 inch loaf pans. Spray them well with nonstick baking spray. Then, cut two parchment paper strips. Make sure they are wide enough for the bottoms and long edges. Press them into the pans. This makes removing the loaves so simple.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, set out your electric stand mixer. In the mixer bowl, combine 3 ¼ cups of flour. Add the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix these dry ingredients really well. This ensures even flavor in your yummy zucchini bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Zucchini

Now, grate about 2 cups of zucchini. I use a cheese grater for this. Then, press the shredded zucchini with paper towels. You want to remove most of the moisture. This stops your bread from becoming soggy. Toss the squeezed zucchini with ¼ cup flour. This little trick helps it mix evenly. It also keeps your chocolate chips from sinking. So smart!

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Turn your mixer on low speed. Mix in the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Then, mix in the grated zucchini and lemon zest. Toss your chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix them into the batter by hand. You can save a few chips for sprinkling later if you wish. This helps make the best chocolate chip zucchini bread.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your two loaf pans. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Look for golden tops. A toothpick inserted deep in the center should come out clean. That’s how you know it’s done.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the loaves from the oven. Let them cool in the pans for 20 minutes. Then, gently lift them out. Use the parchment paper edges for this. Place them on a cooling rack or cutting board. Slice with a serrated knife and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread!

How to Store Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Once your amazing chocolate chip zucchini bread cools completely, you’ll want to store it right. Wrapped in plastic wrap, it stays incredibly fresh. Or, use an airtight container for best results. Your homemade zucchini bread will keep well this way. It’s good for 5 to 6 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can easily freeze slices. Just wrap them tightly. This way, you always have a sweet treat ready!

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the batter; a gentle hand keeps it tender.
Squeeze out that zucchini moisture really well! It prevents soggy bread.
Flour your chocolate chips slightly to keep them from sinking.
Use parchment paper slings for easy loaf removal.
A toothpick test confirms perfect doneness.
Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls:Any sizes work for separating ingredients.
Electric Stand Mixer:This makes mixing super easy. A hand mixer works too!
Measuring Cups and Spoons:Accuracy is important for baking.
Cheese Grater:For shredding fresh zucchini quickly.
Rubber Spatula:Essential for scraping down the bowl.
Loaf Pans (9×5 inch):Two are needed for this recipe.
Parchment Paper:Makes loaves simple to remove.
Cooling Rack:Lets air circulate for even cooling.
Serrated Knife:Best for clean, easy slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a pat of butter, it’s so good!
A dollop of cream cheese frosting always makes it special.
Pair a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
Enjoy it alongside a fresh fruit salad for breakfast.
It’s wonderful as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chocolate chip zucchini bread is perfect for making ahead. You can bake it and store it, or even prep your dry ingredients. It truly tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for my Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread?

No problem at all! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute. Just add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup. Then, fill the rest with regular milk up to the ½ cup line. Let it sit for about five minutes until it looks slightly curdled.

How do I prevent my chocolate chips from sinking in the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread?

This is a common baking question! The secret is in Step 3. Tossing your chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter really helps. The flour creates a little coating, stopping them from sinking. This ensures yummy chocolate in every bite of your zucchini bread.

Can I freeze Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread?

Yes, you certainly can! This chocolate chip zucchini bread freezes wonderfully. Once completely cool, wrap each loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Baking this chocolate chip zucchini bread is more than just following a recipe; it’s creating warmth. It fills your home with the most inviting aroma. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming humble ingredients. You end up with a slice of comforting deliciousness. Every piece is a little bit of joy. This bread brings people together, warming hearts and homes. So, go on, bake a batch today. Share a slice of happiness with someone special. You truly deserve this sweet, comforting treat!