Can I add cocoa powder to zucchini bread?

Absolutely! Adding cocoa powder is what transforms plain zucchini bread into chocolaty zucchini bread . The cocoa gives the loaf its rich, brownie-like flavor while keeping it moist. Combined with chocolate chips, it creates a dessert-meets-veggie masterpiece that feels indulgent but still offers a wholesome twist.

Is chocolate zucchini bread healthy?

It can be. Traditional chocolaty zucchini bread is more of a treat, but with a few adjustments—like reducing sugar, swapping in whole wheat flour, or using applesauce for some of the oil—you can make it lighter. Thanks to zucchini’s fiber and vitamins, this loaf already has a bit of a nutritional edge compared to regular chocolate cake.

How do I keep chocolate chips from sinking?

A simple trick is to toss the chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout your chocolaty zucchini bread , so you don’t end up with all the chocolate sinking to the bottom.

Is zucchini bread actually healthy?

Zucchini adds moisture, fiber, and nutrients, but the overall healthiness of chocolaty zucchini bread depends on your ingredients. With smart swaps, it can be both satisfying and nourishing—proof that dessert doesn’t have to be off limits.

7 Irresistible Reasons to Love This Moist Chocolaty Zucchini Bread Recipe

Description

This moist chocolaty zucchini bread is rich, fudgy, and unbelievably delicious. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking — and easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups finely grated zucchini (excess water removed)
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Fold in grated zucchini (squeezed dry).
Add dry ingredients to wet, mix gently until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few for the top.
Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

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