If you like chocolate and soft bread, this Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe is perfect. It is sweet, soft and full of chocolate taste. The zucchini makes it moist and a little healthy.
You cannot taste the vegetables. Many people like it because it is easy to bake at home. You do not need special tools or hard ingredients.
In this blog, I will show you how to make this bread step by step. You will also learn tips and ways to make it even better. This bread is great for breakfast, snacks or dessert.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
I made this Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe last weekend. The smell while baking was amazing. The chocolate taste was strong and the bread stayed soft for days.
I used fresh zucchini from my garden. It made the bread moist but did not taste like vegetables. My kids loved it too. The recipe is very simple and easy.
You can make it with or without nuts. I added extra chocolate chips for more chocolate. This bread is great for anyone who loves chocolate.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 70 mins
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Grater or food processor for zucchini
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper if needed. - Grate the Zucchini
Wash zucchini and grate it finely. Squeeze gently if very wet. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix oil, sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth. - Add Zucchini to Wet Mix
Add grated zucchini to wet mixture. Stir gently until mixed evenly. - Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until just mixed. Do not overmix. - Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Add chocolate chips and walnuts if you like. Mix evenly. - Pour Batter Into Pan
Pour batter into pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake the Bread
Bake for 50–55 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. - Cool the Bread
Cool bread in pan for 10 minutes. Then remove and cool completely on a rack.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Use fresh zucchini for best soft texture.
- Do not mix too much; bread stays soft.
- Grate zucchini finely so it mixes well.
- Use good cocoa powder for rich chocolate taste.
- Add chocolate chips for more chocolate flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much zucchini; bread can be wet.
- Baking too long; bread becomes dry.
- Mixing too much after adding flour; bread is heavy.
- Skipping salt; it makes chocolate taste better.
- Not cooling completely; bread may break when sliced.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter or cream cheese. Toast slices lightly if you like. Drink coffee, tea or milk with it. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is good for breakfast, snacks or afternoon treats. Family and friends will enjoy it.
Variations You Can Try
- Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut for extra taste.
- Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Use dark chocolate chips for richer flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder for stronger chocolate.
- Make mini loaves instead of one big loaf.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerate up to 1 week, keep covered.
- Freeze slices for up to 3 months; thaw before eating.
- Reheat slices in microwave 20–30 seconds for warm bread.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Health Benefits
Zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. It is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C. Nuts give healthy fats and protein. You get a sweet treat while eating vegetables.
Dark chocolate or cocoa adds antioxidants. It is better than many store-bought cakes. You can eat it as dessert, breakfast or snack without guilt.
Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini about 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup chocolate chips optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper if needed.
Grate the Zucchini
- Wash zucchini and grate it finely. Squeeze gently if very wet.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix oil, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add Zucchini to Wet Mix
- Add grated zucchini to wet mixture. Stir gently until mixed evenly.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until just mixed. Do not overmix.
Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
- Add chocolate chips and walnuts if you like. Mix evenly.
Pour Batter Into Pan
- Pour batter into pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Bread
- Bake for 50–55 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Cool the Bread
- Cool bread in pan for 10 minutes. Then remove and cool completely on a rack.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for best soft texture.
- Do not mix too much; bread stays soft.
- Grate zucchini finely so it mixes well.
- Use good cocoa powder for rich chocolate taste.
- Add chocolate chips for more chocolate flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Q1: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour instead. The texture may be slightly different.
Q2: Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, thaw and squeeze water out first. It keeps bread from being soggy.
Q3: How long does it stay fresh?
Room temperature: 4 days. Refrigerated: up to 1 week.
Q4: Can I bake in muffin pans?
Yes, bake 20–25 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Q5: Can I add other flavors?
Yes, try orange zest, cinnamon or almond extract.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe is easy, soft and tasty. Perfect for chocolate lovers and families. Bake it for breakfast, snacks or dessert. Zucchini makes it moist and a little healthy.
Follow the steps, use fresh ingredients and enjoy homemade chocolate bread. It is simple and will impress everyone. Baking this bread brings joy, flavor and chocolate happiness.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!