Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Bread

If you’re craving a little something decadent yet still surprisingly wholesome, Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Bread is here to deliver! This bread has it all: rich chocolate, a hint of espresso, and that satisfying, moist texture you can only get from zucchini. It’s the kind of bread you can feel good about enjoying—whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The zucchini adds a touch of moisture while keeping it on the healthier side, and the combo of chocolate and espresso takes the flavor to another level. Seriously, this is the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell incredible and leaves you sneaking bites throughout the day.

Trust me, this is not your average zucchini bread. It’s decadent, full of flavor, and definitely a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to make something that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Bread

Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this bread:

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The chocolate chips melt perfectly into the bread, making every bite decadent and fudgy.
• Espresso Kick: The espresso adds just the right amount of depth, enhancing the chocolate and creating a unique flavor profile that’s so satisfying.
• Moist & Tender: Thanks to the zucchini, this bread is incredibly moist without being greasy.
• Healthier-ish: The zucchini sneaks in some extra veggies without overpowering the flavor—win-win!
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy. Even beginner bakers will feel confident with this recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent and moist bread:

For the Bread:

• Zucchini: Grated zucchini gives the bread that tender, moist texture we all love. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies!
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your bread—fluffy and perfect for a soft loaf.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds that rich, chocolatey flavor to make every slice irresistible.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and get nice and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of spice to complement the chocolate and espresso.
• Espresso Powder: This is the magic ingredient that gives the bread that coffee-infused flavor. It doesn’t taste like coffee, but it boosts the chocolate like nothing else!
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough without being overpowering.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the loaf.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the bread moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: A little extra depth and flavor to round out the sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: These melt into pockets of fudgy chocolate goodness in every bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this chocolatey masterpiece baking! Follow these steps for a perfectly baked loaf:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Prep the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, use a paper towel or clean cloth to gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini. This ensures your bread isn’t too soggy.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and espresso powder. Set aside.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the grated zucchini and mix until everything is well incorporated.

5. Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your bread tender.

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, just not wet batter).

8. Let it Cool

Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Slice & Enjoy

Once cooled, slice yourself a piece (or two!) and enjoy the wonderful, chocolatey, coffee-kissed goodness. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10-12 slices
Calories per serving: 210-240 (depending on size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Bread

This bread is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

• With Coffee: Pair a slice with your morning coffee for the ultimate breakfast treat. The espresso in the bread will harmonize perfectly with your coffee.
• With Whipped Cream: Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• As a Snack: This bread makes the perfect afternoon snack, whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or a glass of milk.
• To Gift: Wrap it up in a pretty bag or box, and give it as a gift for a friend’s birthday, a holiday treat, or just to share some love.

Additional Tips

• Zucchini Prep: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini so that the bread doesn’t turn out too wet.
• Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
• Freeze It: You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Add More Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding more chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for even more chocolatey goodness!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This bread stays fresh for a few days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can also bake it ahead and freeze it for later.

Q2: Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?
A2: You can use alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Just keep in mind that these might slightly affect the texture or sweetness level.

Q3: What can I use instead of espresso powder?
A3: If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use instant coffee granules as a substitute, or just leave it out for a chocolate-only version of the bread.

Q4: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A4: Yes, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend you use has xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

Q5: Can I add nuts or other add-ins?
A5: Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut would make great additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate it to make it last a little longer.

Q7: Can I freeze this bread?
A7: Yes! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw at room temperature.

Q8: Can I add more zucchini for extra moisture?
A8: While it’s tempting, I wouldn’t recommend adding more zucchini as it can throw off the texture of the bread. Stick to the amount in the recipe for the best results.

Q9: Can I make this bread without chocolate chips?
A9: Of course! You can omit the chocolate chips for a simpler bread or swap in another mix-in like dried fruit or seeds.

Q10: Can I make this bread vegan?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, and use a plant-based oil (like coconut oil) instead of vegetable oil. Just make sure to check the rest of the ingredients for dairy.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Espresso Zucchini Bread is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition—plus, it’s super easy to make! Whether you’re a chocolate fanatic, a coffee lover, or just someone who enjoys a good slice of homemade bread, this recipe has something for everyone. The rich chocolate, espresso kick, and moist texture will leave you coming back for more. So go ahead—treat yourself to a slice (or two) and savor the magic that happens when chocolate and zucchini come together!

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