Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe – Moist, Rich, and Dairy-Free

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Let me tell you a little secret from my Nonna’s kitchen—she was the queen of “sneaky veggie” desserts. Somewhere between her carrot cake and her sweet potato brownies, I found a scribbled note in her old recipe book: “Add zucchini to chocolate loaf—nobody will know!” That little discovery became my go-to trick for impressing even the pickiest eaters.

This chocolate zucchini bread is pure magic. It’s deeply chocolatey with a moist, cake-like texture, and yet—spoiler alert—it’s hiding a whole cup of grated zucchini. But don’t worry, you won’t taste it. It just melts into the batter, creating the most moist chocolate zucchini bread you’ve ever tried.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student meal-prepping on Sundays, or a baking enthusiast looking for a new obsession, this easy chocolate zucchini bread recipe is your ticket to sweet success.

Need more cozy recipe ideas? Follow Kai Recipes on Facebook for more cozy and seasonal baking ideas, or get inspired over on our Kai Recipes Pinterest profile.

What Makes This Chocolate Zucchini Bread So Special?

What sets this homemade chocolate zucchini bread apart from others?

  • It’s incredibly moist—thanks to the grated zucchini, which keeps the loaf soft without making it soggy.
  • It’s dairy-free, perfect for anyone avoiding milk or butter.
  • The melted chocolate + chocolate chips = double chocolate zucchini bread dreaminess.
  • It’s a kid-friendly chocolate bread that’s also sneakily nutritious—hello, hidden veggies!

It’s the best chocolate zucchini bread for brunch, dessert, or a quick snack. And yes, it’s freezer-friendly, too!

Browse our Breakfast Bliss board for delicious morning treats like this chocolate zucchini bread.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this rich chocolate zucchini loaf:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1¼ cups grated zucchini (squeeze out some water)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

How to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Pan & Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Melt the Chocolate
    Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips gently in a microwave or double boiler.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together:
    • Eggs
    • Sugar
    • Vegetable oil
    • Grated zucchini
    • Vanilla extract
    • Melted chocolate
  4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk:
    • All-purpose flour
    • Cocoa powder
    • Baking soda
    • Salt
    • Cinnamon
  5. Make the Batter
    Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips.
  6. Bake
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little melted chocolate is okay!).

🍴 Baking Tips:

  • Don’t peel the zucchini – the skin helps keep the bread moist.
  • Gently squeeze the grated zucchini to avoid a soggy loaf.
  • Use good cocoa powder for that rich chocolate hit.
Close-up of moist chocolate zucchini bread slices with a rich dark crumb and melted chocolate chips on a rustic board

Serving Suggestions

This dark chocolate zucchini bread is perfect:

  • With a dollop of whipped cream cheese at brunch.
  • Alongside a hot mug of coffee.
  • As an after-dinner treat.
  • Wrapped up for a potluck or hostess gift.

Or pair it with comfort meals like chili relleno casserole, pot roast, or baked mac and cheese for a sweet-salty finish!

Storage Tips

Keep your quick bread fresh with these tips:

StorageMethodDuration
Room TempAirtight containerUp to 3 days
RefrigeratedWrapped tightlyUp to 1 week
FreezerWrap in foil or a zip bag2–3 months

Just thaw overnight before serving, and it’s good as new!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

  • Calories: 426
  • Fat: 24g (17g saturated)
  • Carbs: 51g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 33g
  • Sodium: 233mg

Stay Connected for More Tips & Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What does chocolate zucchini bread taste like?

Like a fudgy chocolate cake—not a veggie in sight (or taste!).

Is chocolate zucchini bread healthy?

Healthier than most desserts—it’s a veggie-based baked good with a boost of fiber.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and it’s 100% dairy-free chocolate dessert bliss.

Can I substitute the oil?

Sure! Try coconut oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter if dairy’s okay for you.

Print
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Stack of moist chocolate zucchini bread slices with cracked tops and soft, dense texture

Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe – Moist, Rich, and Dairy-Free


  • Author: Kai
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Moist, rich, and secretly packed with veggies—this is your new breakfast favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups grated zucchini (squeeze out some water)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips gently in a microwave or double boiler.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, grated zucchini, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little melted chocolate is okay!).

Notes

Don’t peel the zucchini—the skin helps keep the bread moist. Gently squeeze the grated zucchini to avoid a soggy loaf. Use good cocoa powder for that rich chocolate hit.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 426
  • Sugar: 33g
  • Sodium: 233mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chocolate zucchini bread, chocolate loaf, breakfast, hidden veggies

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