When it comes to comforting baked goods, nothing compares to Mom’s Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations, handwritten on faded index cards, and baked every summer when gardens are overflowing with fresh zucchini. This loaf is tender, sweet, and packed with melty chocolate chips—and it’s so good, even the pickiest eaters won’t notice the hidden veggies!
This recipe has all the charm of an old-fashioned classic, but it’s simple enough for busy modern kitchens. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat, this is the chocolate chip zucchini bread that belongs in every family recipe box.
🧾 Ingredients for Mom’s Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
This easy recipe uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (unpeeled, lightly squeezed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Shred and Squeeze the Zucchini
Use a box grater to shred the zucchini. Gently squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. The goal is to remove extra water without making the zucchini dry.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Oil
- Both sugars
- Vanilla extract
Stir in the grated zucchini.
5. Mix the Batter
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Chocolate Chips (and Nuts)
Fold in the chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped nuts. For an extra indulgent finish, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top before baking.
7. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs or melted chocolate are fine).
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍞 Why This Zucchini Bread is So Perfect
- Moist and fluffy texture thanks to the zucchini and oil
- Balanced sweetness with a touch of warm spice
- Melty chocolate chips in every bite
- Nostalgic flavor that feels like home
- Easy to make and freezer-friendly
This recipe is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best—especially when they come from Mom’s kitchen.
📦 How to Store Your Zucchini Bread
- Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
- Freeze: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice individually for quick thawing and snacking.
💡 Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overmix—this ensures the bread stays light and soft.
- Use overripe zucchini if possible; it’s sweeter and more tender.
- Want a healthier version? Substitute half the flour with whole wheat.
- For muffins, divide batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
👩🍳 Make It Your Own
Looking to put your own twist on this family favorite? Try these fun variations:
- Add shredded coconut for tropical flair
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch
- Use applesauce instead of oil for a lower-fat version
- Add a swirl of peanut butter to the batter for extra richness
Final Thoughts
This Mom’s Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is more than just a way to use up extra zucchini—it’s a heartwarming, nostalgic recipe that fills your kitchen with the comforting smell of home. With its moist crumb, rich chocolate, and timeless flavor, it’s the kind of bread that disappears as fast as you can bake it.
So grab your grater and your favorite mixing bowl—it’s time to bring a little old-fashioned goodness back into your kitchen.
