Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and moist, tender zucchini bread with this easy recipe that utilizes a chocolate cake mix for simplicity. It's a delightful way to incorporate garden-fresh zucchini into a sweet treat, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The optional peanut butter chips or chopped nuts elevate this dish, adding texture and extra flavor. Whether you're baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this delightful bread (or muffins) are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings while giving you a dose of veggies. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making it the best make-ahead treat!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
3 (beaten)
shredded zucchini
1.5-2 cups (freshly grated)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (optional)
almond extract
1 teaspoon (optional)
butter
3 teaspoons (melted)
peanut butter chips
1/2 cup (optional)
chopped nuts
1/2 cup (optional)
chocolate cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) (any brand)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans or line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, shredded zucchini, vanilla (or almond extract), melted butter, and peanut butter chips (or chopped nuts). Mix until well blended; don't worry if there are some lumps in the batter.
3
Gradually add the chocolate cake mix and sugar, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.
4
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans or into the muffin cups.
5
Bake the loaves for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For muffins, bake for about 25 minutes.
6
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For muffins, cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.
7
For storage, wrap the cooled bread or muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To thaw, leave at room temperature before unwrapping and setting on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Reheat in an oven or microwave if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Bread?
It is a rich and moist bread that combines chocolate cake mix with freshly shredded zucchini for a simple yet indulgent treat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the baking pans?
Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans or line muffin cups with paper liners.
Can I make muffins instead of loaves?
Yes, the batter can be divided into muffin cups for individual treats.
How long should the loaves bake?
Bake the loaves for 45 to 50 minutes.
What is the baking time for muffins?
Muffins should be baked for approximately 25 minutes.
What size chocolate cake mix is needed?
The recipe calls for one 18 1/4 ounce package of any brand chocolate cake mix.
How much shredded zucchini is required?
You will need between 1.5 and 2 cups of freshly grated zucchini.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of either vanilla or almond extract.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of melted butter.
Are peanut butter chips required?
No, peanut butter chips are an optional addition to enhance the flavor.
Can I add nuts to the bread?
Yes, 1/2 cup of chopped nuts can be added for extra texture.
Why is extra sugar added to the mix?
1/2 cup of granulated sugar is added to the batter along with the cake mix to ensure sweetness.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 beaten eggs.
What is the first step in mixing the batter?
Combine the eggs, zucchini, extracts, butter, and any chips or nuts in a large bowl first.
Should I worry if the initial batter has lumps?
No, do not worry if there are some lumps after mixing the wet ingredients and zucchini.
What is the correct way to add the cake mix?
Gradually add the chocolate cake mix and sugar, stirring until just incorporated.
Should I be careful about over-mixing?
Yes, be careful not to over-mix once the cake mix and sugar are added.
How do I check if the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it is done if the toothpick comes out clean.
How long should loaves cool in the pan?
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
What is the cooling time for muffins?
Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
How should I store the finished bread?
Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
Can this chocolate zucchini bread be frozen?
Yes, it freezes beautifully and is an excellent make-ahead treat.
How do I thaw the frozen bread?
Leave it at room temperature before unwrapping it.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy after thawing?
After unwrapping, set the bread on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Can the bread be reheated?
Yes, you can reheat it in an oven or microwave if desired.
What size loaf pans should be used?
Use two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
When is the best time to serve this bread?
It is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as a dessert.
What type of zucchini is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated garden zucchini provides the best moisture and texture.