When summer zucchini is in full bloom, there’s one recipe that always rises to the top—Moist Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread. This quick bread is a timeless seasonal treat that combines the wholesome goodness of fresh zucchini with the indulgence of chocolate chips. It’s ultra-moist, perfectly sweet, and an excellent way to use up a bounty of summer squash. Whether enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this loaf is a family favorite and a must-have in every summer baking rotation.
🥒 Why Zucchini Bread Is a Summer Staple
Zucchini is one of the most versatile garden vegetables, and when shredded and added to baked goods, it brings moisture and texture without overpowering flavor. It essentially disappears into the batter, leaving you with a soft, tender loaf that feels like a dessert—but has hidden vegetables!
Adding chocolate chips transforms this into something truly decadent. The richness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the zucchini and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
🧾 Ingredients for Moist Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Here’s what you’ll need for this crowd-pleasing summer classic:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (lightly squeezed, unpeeled)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Zucchini
Use a box grater to shred the zucchini (no need to peel). Lightly press the zucchini with a paper towel or clean cloth to remove excess moisture, but don’t dry it out completely—its water content keeps the bread moist.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated zucchini.
5. Mix and Fold
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into your loaf pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs or melted chocolate are okay).
7. Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
🍫 Why This Recipe Works
- Zucchini adds natural moisture, making the bread soft and tender.
- Chocolate chips create sweet, melty pockets in every bite.
- Brown sugar deepens the flavor and adds a slight caramel note.
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for freezing.
📦 Storage and Freezing Tips
At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
To freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave before serving.
🔁 Creative Variations
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and contrast.
- Make it tropical: Toss in shredded coconut and white chocolate chips.
- Go vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based oil or butter.
- Add spice: Try ginger or cardamom for a flavor twist.
📝 Expert Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bread
- Don’t skip squeezing the zucchini—excess moisture can make the bread too dense.
- Use fresh zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this ensures a tender crumb.
- For muffins, divide into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Toast a slice and spread with butter or nut butter.
- Enjoy with coffee or iced tea for a summer afternoon treat.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a casual dessert.
- Great addition to lunchboxes or picnics.
Final Thoughts
Moist Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is more than just a way to use up excess zucchini—it’s a summer baking tradition. This loaf is rich, flavorful, and impossible to resist. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your kitchen, loved by kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re baking for your family, a picnic, or just because it’s Tuesday, this bread brings comfort, chocolate, and just the right touch of summer freshness.
