Name: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini, drained; 3/4 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate chip zucchini bread is everything you want in a homemade quick bread—moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough. The zucchini keeps it soft without making it taste like vegetables, and the chocolate chips add richness and fun. It’s simple to make, freezer-friendly, and a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Eggs
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Vanilla extract
Fresh zucchini (grated and drained)
Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
Stir in the oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract.
Add the grated zucchini to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf, about 10 slices.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Double chocolate: Mix in cocoa powder and use chocolate chunks for an extra rich loaf.
Healthy version: Use whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar slightly.
Mini loaves or muffins: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins; adjust bake time accordingly.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a neutral oil instead of butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave slices for 15–20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, the skin is soft and full of nutrients. Just wash well and grate—it blends right into the bread.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain the grated zucchini by squeezing out excess moisture with a clean towel or paper towels before adding it to the batter.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, but thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use applesauce instead of oil?

Yes, you can replace some or all of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free too.

What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work well, but dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips are all great options.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Yes! Scoop the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

Overmixing or underbaking can cause sinking. Make sure to mix gently and bake until fully set in the center.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely. Try shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip zucchini bread is a simple yet delicious way to sneak some vegetables into a treat everyone will love. Moist, rich, and filled with warm spice and gooey chocolate, this loaf is the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent. It’s great for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.