Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that's both healthy and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. It's a fantastic way to sneak some extra veggies into your family's diet, and the result is a moist, flavorful loaf that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth craving. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate – your preference!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
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Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough bread.
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Add Zucchini & Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips. The zucchini will add moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the chocolate chips provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Cooking Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Grate the zucchini finely: This helps it blend seamlessly into the batter and prevents large chunks.
- Use fresh zucchini: Fresh zucchini has the best flavor and moisture content.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, comforting twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate, dark chocolate chunks, or even a mix!
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is a perfect example of healthy and delicious homemade cooking. It’s a quick dinner idea, a great addition to your weekly meal plan, and a wonderful treat to share with friends and family. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results!