Ina Garten’s Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a rich, moist, and decadent loaf that’s perfect for any time of day. Combining the goodness of fresh zucchini with the indulgence of chocolate, this recipe delivers a treat that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. It’s a great way to use up extra zucchini while satisfying your sweet tooth.

What is Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with grated zucchini, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. The zucchini adds moisture and subtle flavor, while the chocolate provides a rich, dessert-like experience. This loaf is a perfect balance of sweet and nutritious.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Moist and rich: The zucchini keeps the bread soft and tender while enhancing the chocolate flavor.
Easy to make: A simple one-bowl recipe that’s beginner-friendly.
Great for zucchini lovers: A creative way to use zucchini in baking.
Perfect for any occasion: Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Customizable: Add nuts or other mix-ins for extra flavor.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and gently press it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips.
Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake the bread: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool before serving: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Pair with coffee or tea: A cup of coffee or tea complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
Serve with whipped cream: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a dessert-like touch.
Top with cream cheese: Spread cream cheese on a slice for a tangy contrast.
Include fresh berries: Serve with raspberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy with milk: A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing for chocolate treats.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Choose fresh zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini provides the best texture and moisture.
Remove excess moisture: Press the grated zucchini lightly to avoid excess water in the batter.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf; stir just until combined.
Use high-quality cocoa: A good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
Customize the mix-ins: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips for variety.
Cool completely before slicing: This helps the bread hold its shape and makes slicing easier.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Add nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Make it spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
Include a glaze: Drizzle with a chocolate or vanilla glaze for a sweet finishing touch.
Go dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
Make it double chocolate: Add an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Store at room temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze for future use: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Microwave for quick reheating: Heat a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.
Reheat in the oven: Warm the bread in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
Serve at room temperature: This bread is equally delicious without reheating.

FAQs

Can I use yellow zucchini instead of green in Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread?

Yes, yellow zucchini works just as well as green zucchini in this recipe. The flavor and texture are similar, and the yellow color blends into the batter without affecting the appearance.

How do I prevent Chocolate Zucchini Bread from being too soggy?

To prevent sogginess, pat the grated zucchini dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding it to the batter. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can also affect the texture.

Can I make Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best results.

How long does Chocolate Zucchini Bread stay fresh?

This bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. Moist, chocolaty, and versatile, it’s a wonderful way to incorporate fresh zucchini into your baking.

Try it today and savor the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

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