Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Loaf with Creamy Frosting
Indulge in the delightful surprise of this Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Loaf, a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and moist zucchini that will tantalize your taste buds! Perfect for potlucks or cozy family gatherings, this double chocolate bread is so irresistibly rich and flavorful that your guests will be begging for the recipe, thinking it’s a chocolate cake. The added zucchini not only enhances the moistness but also adds a hidden health benefit that you can feel good about. Topped with a creamy chocolate frosting, this loaf is a dessert that you can serve for breakfast, snack time, or as a sweet ending to your meal. Prepare to watch these loaves disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsweetened chocolate squares
2 (melted)
eggs
3 (beaten)
vegetable oil
1 (measured)
grated zucchini
2 (freshly grated, packed)
vanilla extract
1 (measured)
all-purpose flour
2 (measured)
baking soda
1 (measured)
salt
1 (measured)
chocolate chips
2 (measured)
butter
6 (softened)
confectioners' sugar
2.5 (measured)
cocoa powder
0.5 (measured)
vanilla extract
1 (measured)
milk
3-4 (as needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsweetened chocolate squares in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, grated zucchini, and vanilla until well combined.
4
Gently fold in the cooled melted chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
6
Stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly dispersed in the batter.
7
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
While the loaves cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
11
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until well incorporated. Then mix in the baking cocoa and vanilla extract.
12
Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
13
Once the loaves are completely cooled, generously spread or pipe the frosting over the top of each loaf. For optimal freshness, store the frosted loaves in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Loaf?
It is a rich fusion of chocolate and moist zucchini that tastes like a decadent chocolate cake.
How many loaf pans does this recipe require?
This recipe is designed to fill two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The loaves should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the loaf pans?
You should generously grease the pans with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
How do I melt the unsweetened chocolate squares?
Melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
When do I add the melted chocolate to the batter?
Gently fold the cooled melted chocolate into the mixture of eggs, sugar, oil, zucchini, and vanilla.
What wet ingredients are mixed first?
Whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, grated zucchini, and vanilla until well combined.
What dry ingredients are used in this bread?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until they are combined to avoid overmixing.
When should the chocolate chips be added?
Stir in the chocolate chips after the dry and wet ingredients have been combined.
How long does it take to bake the loaves?
The baking time is approximately 60 minutes.
How can I tell if the zucchini bread is fully cooked?
The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the loaves cool in the pan?
Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before moving them.
Where should the loaves finish cooling?
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
What are the primary ingredients for the creamy frosting?
The frosting is made from butter, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and milk.
How do I start making the frosting?
Begin by beating softened butter with an electric mixer until it reaches a creamy consistency.
How should I add the confectioners' sugar to the frosting?
Add the sugar gradually, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
What kind of cocoa is used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for baking cocoa to provide the chocolate flavor.
How do I achieve the right frosting consistency?
Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
When is the best time to frost the loaves?
Only apply the frosting once the loaves have completely cooled to prevent it from melting.
How should I store the finished chocolate zucchini loaves?
For optimal freshness, store the frosted loaves in the refrigerator.
Can I taste the zucchini in the bread?
No, the zucchini blends into the chocolate, providing moisture without a vegetable flavor.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 beaten eggs for the batter.
What type of flour is best for this loaf?
The recipe specifies using all-purpose flour.
How much zucchini is required?
You need 2 cups of freshly grated, packed zucchini.
Can I serve this for breakfast?
Yes, this loaf is versatile enough to be served for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.
Does the recipe use vegetable oil or butter in the batter?
The bread batter uses 1 cup of vegetable oil, while the frosting uses butter.
What size are the chocolate squares?
The recipe uses 2 unsweetened chocolate squares.
What is the purpose of the baking soda?
Baking soda acts as the leavening agent to help the bread rise during baking.