If you love the idea of sneaking some veggies into your dessert without sacrificing a bit of indulgence, then you are going to adore this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe. This moist, dense loaf combines the richness of chocolate cake mix with the subtle freshness of zucchini, creating a mouthwatering treat that feels like cake but sneaks in some sneaky goodness. Whether you’re a zucchini bread veteran or just looking for a new way to enjoy chocolate, this recipe hits all the right notes with its luscious texture, deep chocolate flavor, and those delightful pockets of melty chocolate chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to making this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe a hit every time. Each ingredient plays a vital role, making the bread moist, flavorful, and irresistibly chocolatey.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, about 15.25 oz): The foundation that brings rich cocoa flavor and perfect crumb texture effortlessly.
- Large eggs (2): They add structure and help the bread rise just right.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and balances the dry cake mix perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a lovely warmth.
- Grated zucchini (1 1/2 cups, about 1 medium zucchini): Sneaky veggie addition that keeps the bread moist while adding subtle freshness.
- Chocolate chips (3/4 cup): For those irresistible melty bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a cozy spice note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
How to Make Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make sure your zucchini bread comes out clean and intact, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This simple prep sets the stage for flawless baking and easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until the batter is smooth and thoroughly blended. This step is where your chocolatey base starts coming to life!
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredient – Grated Zucchini
Before adding your zucchini, squeeze out any excess water to avoid a soggy loaf. Then fold the grated zucchini into the batter, ensuring an even distribution so every slice bursts with moisture and slight veggie freshness.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips, Cinnamon, and Salt
Gently incorporate the chocolate chips, cinnamon, and salt. This step adds texture, a hint of warmth from cinnamon, and balances the sweetness. Be careful not to overmix at this point to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Transfer your luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top to ensure even baking. This little detail helps the bread brown evenly and look perfect.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Your Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe is ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures your loaf is moist but fully cooked through.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow your loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up. Then gently remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key for clean slicing and to enjoy those melty chocolate chips at their best.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Once completely cooled, slice your zucchini bread and serve. Get ready for compliments, because this double chocolate delight tastes even better the next day!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese adds a lovely touch to your slices. You can also sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or even a handful of chopped nuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the rich chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the bread into small cubes and serve with toothpicks as a decadent finger food. Alternatively, toast a slice lightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it wrapped prevents the bread from drying out and maintains that moist, tender crumb.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or pop slices in airtight freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months and thaw at room temperature when you want a sweet treat on demand.
Reheating
To bring your zucchini bread back to life, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. This refreshes the texture and melts the chocolate chips slightly for a heavenly bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes! While chocolate cake mix is perfect for this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe, you can experiment with devil’s food or chocolate fudge varieties for even richer results. Just make sure the mix is for cake, not brownies or cupcakes.
Do I have to peel the zucchini before grating it?
No need to peel! The zucchini skin is thin and adds great color and nutrients to your bread. Just wash the zucchini well before grating to remove any dirt.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something healthier?
You can swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture and flavor, but the bread will still be delicious.
How can I tell when the zucchini bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick is wet with batter, it needs more time in the oven.
Is this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the chocolate flavor and often don’t even realize they’re enjoying veggies. It’s a great way to sneak some nutrients into their snack or lunchbox in a fun and tasty way.
Final Thoughts
This Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe is one of those rare treats that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your desire for something a little wholesome. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with rich chocolate flavor, and perfectly moist thanks to the zucchini. Give it a try the next time you want to impress your family or friends with a dessert that feels special but comes together effortlessly. I promise, this loaf will become a repeat favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 5m
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Chocolate Cake Mix Zucchini Bread is a moist and rich quick bread that incorporates the wholesome goodness of zucchini with the indulgent taste of chocolate. Using a boxed chocolate cake mix as the base, this recipe is simple, fast, and perfect for a delicious snack or dessert with a delightful balance of chocolate and subtle zucchini flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended and smooth.
- Add Grated Zucchini: Add the grated zucchini to the batter and stir until evenly distributed. Be sure to squeeze out any excess water from the zucchini before adding it to the batter to avoid sogginess.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Spices: Stir in the chocolate chips, cinnamon, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the zucchini bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Store: Once cooled, slice and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated zucchini to prevent a watery batter.
- Using parchment paper to line the loaf pan helps with easy removal and cleanup.
- The optional cinnamon enhances the flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover zucchini bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
