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    Gastronotherapy » Recipes » Bread

    Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    Modified: Jul 6, 2026 · Published: Jul 12, 2021 by MaryAnne · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe


    This double chocolate zucchini bread is ultra-moist, extra chocolatey, and easy to make in one bowl. It's the perfect way to use up summer zucchini while baking something that tastes like dessert!

    Double chocolate zucchini bread sliced with parchment paper.

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    This time of year, zucchini is everywhere and I love its versatility: it works in savory recipes, like stuffed zucchini boats with rice, and in sweet recipes, like zucchini bread pancakes. Years ago, I discovered the amazing combination of chocolate and zucchini, and have never looked back.

    This double chocolate zucchini bread is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, with cocoa powder and dark chocolate in every bite. I use shredded zucchini to keep the loaf soft and fudgy without making it heavy, so you get all the decadence of a chocolate loaf cake with the ease of a quick bread.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐️ Why You'll Love This Chocolate Zucchini Bread
    • 🍫 Ingredient Notes
    • 💬 Do You Need to Squeeze the Zucchini?
    • 🔪 How To Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
    • ⏲ Expert Tips
    • ⏲ Storage & Freezing
    • 🥚 Variations & Substitutions
    • 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🥞 More Chocolate Recipes
    • Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

    ⭐️ Why You'll Love This Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    • Rich chocolate flavor from both cocoa powder and chocolate chips
    • Zucchini keeps the loaf moist and tender
    • Easy, no-mixer quick bread that comes together with simple pantry ingredients
    • Soft, fudgy texture that feels more like dessert than ordinary zucchini bread
    • A great way to use up extra zucchini during peak season

    🍫 Ingredient Notes

    Chocolate zucchini bread ingredients on a table.
    • Zucchini: Finely shred it so it melts into the batter and adds moisture throughout
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the bread its deep chocolate base
    • Chocolate chips: Essential for the double chocolate flavor and gooey pockets throughout
    • Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the crumb soft and tender
    • Oil: Helps create a moist loaf that stays soft for days
    • Eggs: Give the bread structure and richness
    • Cinnamon: A small amount rounds out the chocolate flavor without standing out

    💬 Do You Need to Squeeze the Zucchini?

    No-for this recipe, I don't squeeze the shredded zucchini dry. That natural moisture helps create the soft, tender, fudgy texture. If your zucchini seems exceptionally wet, just blot it lightly with a paper towel instead of wringing it out.

    🔪 How To Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x5" loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

    In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and chocolate chips.

    Flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and chocolate chips mixed in a bowl.

    In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

    Eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract whisked together in a blue bowl.

    Add wet ingredients into bowl with dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in shredded zucchini.

    Wet and dry ingredients combined with zucchini in a bowl with a whisk in background.

    Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.

    Chocolate zucchini bread batter spread into prepared loaf pan.

    Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool bread in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

    ⏲ Expert Tips

    Baked chocolate zucchini loaf in loaf pan.
    • Mix just until combined. Overmixing could produce extra gluten, creating a very dense bread. It could also cause your bread to sink in the middle. We want to avoid that!
    • Finely shred the zucchini so it blends seamlessly into the bread
    • Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid a dry loaf
    • Check the bread toward the end of baking, since every oven runs a bit differently
    • Let it cool fully before slicing for the cleanest texture
    • Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a prettier finish

    ⏲ Storage & Freezing

    • Storage: After it has cooled completely, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an air-tight plastic bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil before placing them into a larger freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight.

    🥚 Variations & Substitutions

    Chocolate zucchini bread on parchment.
    • Vegan chocolate zucchini bread: Substitute two flax eggs (combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes gelatinous) and vegan dark chocolate chips for a vegan version.
    • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
    • Turn the batter into muffins: Place muffin liners into a muffin tin and fill about ¾ full. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

    💬 Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did my zucchini bread sink in the middle?

    The most common reason for quick breads to sink as they cool is overmixing (mix your batter until there are just a few streaks of flour remaining). Less common reasons are under-baking or using expired leavening agents.

    Why is my zucchini bread dense?

    A dense quick bread is often the result of overmixing due to the build up of gluten, or using too much flour.

    Do I need to peel the zucchini first?

    Nope, there's no need to peel it. The skin is soft and blends right into the loaf.

    🥞 More Chocolate Recipes

    • Tender chocolate old fashioned donuts with a vanilla glaze.
      Chocolate Old Fashioned Donuts
    • chocolate orange cake garnished with slices of orange and resting on a platter.
      Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake
    • Plate of chewy chocolate coconut macaroons on a plate.
      Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
    • Healthy chocolate cookies arranged on a cooling rack.
      Healthy Chocolate Cookies (vegan & gluten free)

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    Double chocolate zucchini bread sliced with parchment paper.

    Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

    Author: MaryAnne
    This double chocolate zucchini bread is ultra-moist, extra chocolatey, and easy to make in one bowl. It's the perfect way to use up summer zucchini while baking something that tastes like dessert!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 305 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cup dark (60 % or higher) chocolate chips or chunks
    • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
    • ½ cup vegetable oil
    • ¾ cup light brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cups zucchini, shredded

    Instructions
     
    Prevent your screen from going dark
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x5" loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
    • In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and chocolate chips.
    • In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • Add wet ingredients into bowl with dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in shredded zucchini. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
    • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool bread in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

    Video

    Notes

    • Mix just until combined. Overmixing could produce extra gluten, creating a very dense bread. It could also cause your bread to sink in the middle. We want to avoid that!
    • Finely shred the zucchini so it blends seamlessly into the bread
    • Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid a dry loaf

    Nutrition

    Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 248mgFiber: 3gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 87IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

    1. Anjali says

      July 14, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      Omg this really is just like one of the most delicious zucchini bread recipes I've had! The chocolate just takes it to a whole other level!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy says

        July 15, 2021 at 4:22 pm

        Thanks so much, Anjali! Yes - it is SUPER chocolatey! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sarah Baumeister says

      July 14, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      I love the rich color it gives, can't even tell the zucchini is in there! Although, I wouldn't mind, I am a zucchini lover. Since its summer, zucchinis are so in season right now and I will take all of the zucchini recipes I can get!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy says

        July 15, 2021 at 4:24 pm

        Yeah, the zucchini is mainly there for nutrition purposes. It doesn't really have a taste in this application, but it adds fiber and important vitamins and minerals, so it definitely has a purpose!

        Reply
    3. Michelle says

      July 14, 2021 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so fudgy and delicious! Can't wait to try it when I've got zucchinis from my garden!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy says

        July 15, 2021 at 4:25 pm

        It's SO rich and fudgy! And garden zucchinis are the best type of zucchinis!

        Reply
    4. Lima Ekram says

      July 14, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      I was surprised at just how chocolatey it was. I was a little nervous about the zucchinis but did not mind them at all in this recipe!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy says

        July 15, 2021 at 4:27 pm

        The zucchini is basically there to add some fiber to what is primarily chocolate cake. 😉

        Reply
        • Kim says

          June 04, 2022 at 4:11 am

          5 stars
          This recipe looks delicious.
          I was wondering if any of your directions would change if using a gluten free flour, or if you have suggestions for substituting the flour in this recipe?
          Thank you

          Reply
          • MaryAnne says

            June 05, 2022 at 8:48 am

            Great question, Kim! You should be able to substitute equal parts of any all-purpose gluten-free flour. Let me know if you give it a try! 😀

            Reply
    5. Alison says

      July 14, 2021 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      Super moist, and full of rich chocolate flavor, just the way I like it! It was devoured by my family!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy says

        July 15, 2021 at 4:27 pm

        Yay! So glad it was enjoyed by all, Alison!

        Reply
    6. Barb Haner says

      August 25, 2022 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is soooo good!!!

      Reply
      • MaryAnne says

        August 25, 2022 at 5:11 pm

        I agree! I make enough to freeze so that I can enjoy it year-round. 😊

        Reply
    7. Suzanne Bosler says

      September 04, 2023 at 8:06 pm

      Found this recipe few years back ,…..only I use sweet potato and zucchini and I also put butterscotch chips with dark chocolate chips and top it off with a chipotle sea salt

      Reply
      • MaryAnne says

        September 05, 2023 at 6:25 am

        Sounds like a delicious variation, Suzanne!

        Reply
    5 from 14 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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    Hi! I’m MaryAnne, the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Gastronotherapy, where you'll find mostly meatless, veggie-forward recipes with big flavor, simple ingredients, and plenty of room for dessert.

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