Decadent Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Indulge in this delightful Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the moistness of zucchini, making it a surprisingly healthy treat. This recipe is inspired by the 'Crazy Plates' cookbook and cleverly incorporates vegetables into your diet, satisfying your sweet tooth while sneaking in some nutritious goodness. Perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack, it's an irresistible dish that pairs wonderfully with a scoop of mocha ice cream for an extra decadent experience. Whether served as a loaf or sliced into cake-like pieces, every bite is a treat you'd never guess hides healthy ingredients!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (sifted)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
fat-free egg substitute
3/4 cup (or 3 eggs)
unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (none)
vegetable oil
1/3 cup (none)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
grated zucchini
2 cups (packed)
mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8x4 inch loaf pans by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, fat-free egg substitute (or eggs), unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4
Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
5
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
6
Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
7
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops as necessary.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
10
Slice and serve, ideally allowing them to cool completely for the best flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread?
It is a moist, chocolatey quick bread that incorporates grated zucchini for added nutrition and texture, making it a healthy yet indulgent treat.
Is this zucchini bread considered healthy?
Yes, it uses ingredients like unsweetened applesauce, fat-free egg substitute, and zucchini to provide a more nutritious alternative to traditional chocolate cakes.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make two loaves.
What size loaf pans should I use?
You should use two 8x4 inch loaf pans.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the loaf pans?
Prepare the pans by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray.
Which dry ingredients need to be sifted?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Can I use real eggs instead of egg substitute?
Yes, you can substitute the 3/4 cup of fat-free egg substitute with 3 large eggs.
What is the purpose of applesauce in this recipe?
The unsweetened applesauce helps keep the bread moist while reducing the amount of oil needed.
How much grated zucchini is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of packed grated zucchini.
When do I add the zucchini to the batter?
Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture after the liquid ingredients have been whisked together.
What is the correct way to combine wet and dry ingredients?
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, ensuring the batter remains slightly lumpy.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can make the bread tough; the instructions recommend stirring until just combined so the batter stays slightly lumpy.
When should the chocolate chips be added?
Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips after the wet and dry ingredients have been combined.
How long does the zucchini bread take to bake?
The loaves should bake for approximately 50 minutes.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before removing them.
Where should the bread finish cooling?
After removal from the pans, the loaves should cool completely on a wire rack.
What is a recommended serving suggestion for this bread?
It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of mocha ice cream for an extra decadent dessert experience.
What size chocolate chips are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for even distribution.
Does this recipe include cinnamon?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
What type of cocoa powder should be used?
Use 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and be sure to sift it.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the 'Crazy Plates' cookbook, known for clever ways to incorporate vegetables.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it is perfect as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even a cake-like treat.
Can you taste the zucchini in the final product?
No, the zucchini provides moisture and nutrition, but the flavor is rich and chocolatey.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What kind of oil is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
Is the sugar content adjustable?
The standard recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of sugar for the intended level of sweetness.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the flour with the cocoa and other dry ingredients ensures a smooth texture and even distribution.
What is the best way to slice the bread?
It is best to allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing to ensure the flavor is fully developed and the structure is stable.