Healthy chocolate zucchini bread is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate. It's rich, moist, and so good that you honestly wouldn't know there was a vegetable in it!

Death by Chocolate Zucchini Bread
This death by chocolate zucchini bread is packed with chocolate flavor but lower in sugar and saturated fat than typical breakfast breads. It could honestly be eaten as part of a balanced breakfast (simply add your favorite protein like Greek yogurt or eggs!), a pre-workout snack, or dessert 🙂
Black Cocoa Powder
It uses 2 types of cocoa powder: traditional unsweetened cocoa and black cocoa powder. I discovered black cocoa powder last year and am now obsessed with it (check out these double dark chocolate cupcakes!). My go-to black cocoa is this one linked here.
I love baking with black cocoa powder because it's been heavily alkalised, which removes most of the bitter taste commonly found in cocoa powders. The result is a smooth flavor and baked goods that are literally black. Fun fact: it's used to make Oreos!
Ingredient Highlights - Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- White whole wheat flour - this provides some extra fiber and B vitamins that all-purpose flour wouldn’t provide but has less of a “wheaty” taste than regular whole wheat flour. You can sub all-purpose flour here if you’d like.
- Almond flour - since this flour is made from almonds, it has a higher fat content than regular all-purpose or whole wheat flours. Therefore, it keeps this bread soft and moist!
- Zucchini - zucchini adds so much moisture to baked goods and you'd never know it was there! It's a rich source of vitamin A, specifically the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, which are helpful for our vision! I highly recommend squeezing out as much water as you can before mixing into the batter.
- Black cocoa powder - black cocoa has been heavily alkalized, which removes most of the bitter taste commonly found in cocoa powders. I'm a big fan of using black cocoa powder (check out these double dark chocolate cupcakes!)
- Kefir - I started using kefir in baked goods to add some acidity to balance out the cocoa powders and I'm obsessed with it. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio with buttermilk, which is more commonly used; however, buttermilk is high in saturated fat. Kefir is lower in fat and also a great source of natural probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health!
- Coffee - this ingredient is optional, but I like to include it as it brings out a rich, chocolatey flavor!
Recipe FAQ
Absolutely. I wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then 4-5 pieces in foil. I write the date on the foil so I know when I baked it and then freeze for up to 3 months!
Since this healthy chocolate zucchini bread is so moist, I recommend storing it in the fridge! It may spoil faster at room temp. I also love wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and then multiple pieces in foil to keep in the freezer!
Since zucchini has such a high water content (~90% water!), it can cause baked goods to hold a lot of moisture. It's important to really squeeze out any water before adding zucchini to any baking recipe to prevent this from happening. I layer the shredded zucchini between paper towels and squeeze multiple times to remove as much water as I can.
This is totally optional. I keep it on to save time (and you don't even notice the skin) but you can definitely remove the skin if you'd like!
Other Recipes You May Like
- Zucchini Breakfast Muffins
- Chocolate Peppermint Bites
- Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse
- Double Dark Chocolate Cupcakes
- Espresso Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
- Easy Healthier Banana Bread
Rate & Review
If you made my healthy chocolate zucchini bread, please rate and review my recipe below! I would love to hear your feedback. Also snap a photo and tag me on insta @theperfectpearr so I can see your creation!
PrintHealthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Healthy chocolate zucchini bread is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate. It's rich, moist, and so good that you honestly wouldn't know there was a vegetable in it!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups (306g) fine grated zucchini, strained well (~1.5-2 large zucchini)
- ⅔ cup (218g) pure maple syrup
- ½ cup (130g) plain kefir
- ⅓ cup (96g) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 Tbsp black coffee, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (114g) almond flour
- 1 cup (160g) white whole wheat flour (or regular all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup (26g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp black cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup (69g) chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x5" loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Shred zucchini and place between paper towels to drain (I recommend two layers of paper towels!). Squeeze excess liquid out over the sink.
- Combine zucchini, maple syrup, kefir, applesauce, coffee, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
- Add eggs and mix.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk flours, cocoa powders, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips.
- Bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool for 30-45 minutes (this is important! If taken out of the pan too soon, it may fall apart).
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add other add-ins like peanuts, walnuts, pecans, or your favorite chocolate chips!
- Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
- Add Greek yogurt, hardboiled eggs, or a glass of milk to make this a balanced breakfast!
- To make muffins, bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 213
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 246
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 7
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Laura says
This cake is soo moist and chocolately. I made it for a work party and everyone loved it!!
Lauren says
That made my day, Laura! It's so so good and makes for a great party dish.
Jean says
This is sooo good. It's crazy how good it is considering the ingredients!
Lauren says
I know! Zucchini adds so much moisture, it's nuts. Glad you liked it!