Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

By Adeline

Published on July 9, 2025

There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade goodness to brighten your day. This chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is truly a kitchen gem. It’s wonderfully moist, packed with hidden veggies, and loaded with melty chocolate chips.

I often bake this bread for weekend breakfasts. It also cools beautifully and makes a delightful gift for friends. Everyone always asks for the recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Oh, let me count the ways! This recipe is a true lifesaver. It’s:

So forgiving: Perfect for bakers of all levels.
Wickedly delicious: A comforting taste every time.
Amazingly quick: Weeknight baking is totally possible.
A crowd-pleaser: Friends and family always ask for more.

It’s simply the best way to use up garden zucchini!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Ingredients

Creating this delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread starts with a simple yet magical blend of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting that perfect texture and flavor. It’s like a cozy hug in bread form!

Essential Components for Deliciousness

All-purpose flour: This forms the tender structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: These give our bread a lovely lift.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Spices add that warm, comforting taste.
Kosher salt: A pinch balances all the sweet flavors.
Brown sugar: It adds moisture and a rich caramel note.
Large eggs: They bind everything together beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter makes it so moist.
Shredded zucchini: Our star ingredient! It keeps the bread incredibly moist. Plus, it’s a clever way to sneak in veggies.
Pure vanilla extract: This enhances all the sweet flavors.
Chocolate chips: The joyful bursts of melty chocolate in every bite. I use a mix of mini and regular chips!
Turbinado sugar: This creates a sparkling, crunchy top.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t fret if you’re missing an item or want to tweak things. You can use granulated sugar if brown sugar isn’t handy. Feel free to swap in different spices like a pumpkin pie blend for a twist. If you don’t have turbinado sugar, regular granulated sugar works just fine for the topping. Experiment with milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips! Remember, exact quantities are in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Making this chocolate chip zucchini bread is super easy. Just follow these steps for a perfect loaf every time. I promise you’ll love it!

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350 degrees F. Then, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Make sure to grease it well with nonstick cooking spray. This keeps your chocolate chip zucchini bread from sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients. This includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, and those yummy spices. Don’t forget the salt for balance. Set this bowl aside for now.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients for the Zucchini Bread

In a bigger bowl, stir the brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix them until nice and smooth. Now for the star: add the shredded zucchini. Fresh zucchini makes it so moist! Stir in your vanilla extract too. Keep mixing until everything is well combined. This wet mixture is the heart of your delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread.

Step 3: Mix and Fold in the Chocolate Chips

It’s time to bring it all together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Gently fold in 1 cup of those lovely chocolate chips. They add delightful pockets of sweetness to every slice.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your beautiful batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top. This gives it a fantastic crunchy crust. Add the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top. Now, pop it into the preheated oven. Bake until it’s golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This usually takes about 50 to 65 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy Your Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. Use a bread knife to loosen the edges. Carefully remove the bread from the pan. Transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. This patience pays off for the best texture. Then, just enjoy your homemade chocolate chip zucchini bread!

How to Store Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Once your chocolate chip zucchini bread is completely cool, you’ll want to store it properly. For short-term freshness, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it moist and delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf. Double-wrap it for extra protection against freezer burn. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature. A quick zap in the microwave works too. This frozen bread is great for quick snacks!

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Ensure your zucchini is shredded finely for even moisture distribution.
Always let your bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Room temperature eggs blend better, creating a smoother batter.
Use a good quality nonstick spray for easy loaf removal.
For extra flavor, toast the spices slightly before adding them.
A sprinkle of turbinado sugar adds a lovely crunch to the top.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9×5-inch loaf pan: A glass or ceramic one also works well.
Large mixing bowls: Grab a few different sizes for efficiency.
Whisk: A fork can do in a pinch for dry ingredients.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding and scraping down bowls.
Shredder or box grater: For grating that fresh zucchini with ease.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
Cooling rack: Allows air circulation for even cooling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a pat of butter, if you like.
Enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
A dollop of whipped cream is always a treat.
Pair with fresh berries for a light breakfast.
It’s wonderful with a glass of cold milk too.
Slice and share with friends for a snack.

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. Its flavor actually deepens overnight. Just store it tightly wrapped at room temperature.

What if I don’t have fresh zucchini?

No fresh zucchini? No problem! You can use frozen shredded zucchini. Make sure to thaw it first. Then, squeeze out all the extra moisture. This step is super important.

How do I know when my chocolate chip zucchini bread is fully baked?

Your chocolate chip zucchini bread is done when it’s golden brown. A simple toothpick test works best. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!

Can I freeze chocolate chip zucchini bread?

Yes, you certainly can! Wrap cooled slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread later!

Conclusion

Baking this chocolate chip zucchini bread is truly a simple joy. It fills my kitchen with warmth and that heavenly aroma. Each bite reminds me of cozy mornings and happy family moments. This recipe isn’t just about delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread; it’s about comfort. It’s about bringing a little sunshine into your day. So go ahead, whip up a loaf! Share this yummy treat with loved ones, or keep it all to yourself. You deserve every single delicious crumb. Happy baking, my friends!