This moist chocolate chip zucchini bread is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s packed with yummy chocolate chips and hidden veggies, making it a fun and sneaky snack!
Who knew zucchini could taste this good? I love to toast a slice and slather it with just a bit of butter—perfection! 🍞😋 Plus, it’s an easy bake that fills your home with a warm, chocolatey aroma.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star ingredient that adds moisture. If zucchini is not available, try using shredded carrots or apples for a different flavor, but keep in mind they may alter the overall taste slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are great, but you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips based on your taste. For a healthier twist, consider adding dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds extra moisture and tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for a protein boost or use applesauce for a healthier option.
Spices: Ground nutmeg is optional, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it. Adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice could also give it a warm flavor profile.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Is Extra Moist?
To keep your zucchini bread moist, ensure you remove excess moisture from the zucchini. Grate it, then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This avoids a soggy batter.
- Use room temperature ingredients when mixing—this helps them combine well.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the bread tender.
- Another tip is to check the bread a few minutes before the minimum baking time. Every oven runs differently!
Moist Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 55-65 minutes of baking time. After that, allow some time for it to cool before slicing. In total, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. This ensures a beautiful release when your bread is baked!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Whisk these together until everything is evenly combined, then set the bowl aside. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking agents throughout the flour.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Good aeration is key for a nice rise!
4. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the fat and liquid, ensuring a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract—this adds a lovely aroma and flavor to your bread.
5. Incorporate the Zucchini and Sour Cream:
Now, mix in the grated zucchini and sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is well combined. The zucchini and sour cream add moisture and keep the bread tender, so don’t skip this part!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
7. Add Chocolate Chips:
Once your batter is ready, fold in the chocolate chips gently. They’re the stars of the show, so ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without overworking it.
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. This helps it to bake evenly and look nice when you slice into it!
9. Bake It Up:
Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached—no wet batter should cling to it.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for preventing sogginess on the bottom!
11. Enjoy!:
Once completely cool, slice your zucchini bread and enjoy it plain or with a pat of butter. Store any leftovers in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. It also freezes well, so you can save some for later if you like!
Enjoy each moist slice of your delicious chocolate chip zucchini bread with family and friends!
FAQ for Moist Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Other Types of Flour?
Certainly! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just note that it may yield a denser loaf. For gluten-free options, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which typically works well!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg replacement, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg. This will keep the bread moist while also adding a hint of natural sweetness.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or you could mix in some dried fruit or coconut flakes for extra flavor. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 1 cup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftover zucchini bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw by leaving it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it!
