Zucchini Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips

This is the BEST chocolate chip zucchini bread! It’s super moist with a crispy crust and is loaded with melty dark chocolate chips. This easy recipe makes the softest and most delicious zucchini bread!

RecipeRate
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
65 min
Total Time
80 min
Servings
1 loaf
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This zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips is our all-time favorite way to turn garden bounty into a melt-in-your-mouth treat. It’s super soft, filled with gooey chocolate, and just the right balance of sweet and cozy.Sweet craving or a special treat — this one delivers every time.

zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips sliced loaf showing melted chocolate
Close-up of moist zucchini bread filled with chocolate chips
Table of Contents

What is Zucchini Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips

There’s something magical about turning vegetables into dessert, and zucchini bread is the most delicious proof. It’s a quick bread meaning no yeast, no kneading, and no fuss with a soft, moist texture and a slightly sweet flavor. And when you fold in chocolate chips? That’s where the magic happens.

Zucchini brings unbeatable moisture without making the loaf heavy or soggy. It blends right in, so even the pickiest eaters won’t detect the veggies. The base flavor is mild, almost like a soft vanilla spice cake, which makes it perfect for pairing with melty chocolate chips. It’s the best of both worlds secretly wholesome and totally indulgent.

Unlike regular zucchini muffins or savory breads, this version leans dessert. Think of it as a chocolate chip muffin in loaf form dense yet tender, rich yet balanced. Amy’s chocolate chip zucchini bread is one of the internet’s most searched because it nails that blend of texture and sweetness, but our version takes it a step further with sour cream for moisture and dark chocolate for deep flavor.

We also love how versatile it is. Bake it as a loaf or use the same batter for muffins, like we do in our carrot cake zucchini muffins. It’s a great way to use up fresh zucchini and get a bakery-style treat right at home.

For something with a warmer twist, you might also enjoy cinnamon roll zucchini bread but if you’re a chocolate fan, today’s recipe is your perfect match.

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zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips sliced loaf showing melted chocolate

Zucchini Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips


  • Author: Emma & Ella
  • Total Time: 80 min
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This is the BEST chocolate chip zucchini bread! It’s super moist with a crispy crust and is loaded with melty dark chocolate chips. This easy recipe makes the softest and most delicious zucchini bread!


Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups (270g) finely grated zucchini

2 cups (264g) all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup (82g) sour cream

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment.
  2. Grate zucchini and squeeze: Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. In a medium bowl: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars.
  5. Add sour cream, eggs: Add sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and squeezed zucchini to the bowl.
  6. Gently fold in dry: Gently fold in dry ingredients with a spatula.
  7. Add chocolate chips and: Add chocolate chips and finish mixing until just combined.
  8. Pour batter into the: Pour batter into the pan and top with more chocolate chips.
  9. Bake 60–70 minutes until: Bake 60–70 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  10. Cool in the pan: Cool in the pan for 30–40 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to squeeze out the grated zucchini to avoid excess moisture. You can swap dark chocolate for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. This bread freezes well wrap slices individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 65 min
  • Category: Quick Breads
  • Method: No Bake, Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Why You’ll Love This

Moist, Rich, and Always a Hit

There are a few things every perfect zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips needs: a soft crumb, a golden top with just the right crackle, and rich pockets of chocolate in every slice. This loaf delivers all that and more.

What makes this version extra special is the combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and sour cream. That trio gives the bread its rich flavor and super moist texture, without being greasy or overly dense. And the chocolate? We use dark chocolate chips, which melt into dreamy swirls that taste like fudge with every bite.

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If you’ve ever had Amy’s chocolate chip zucchini bread and loved its bakery-style texture, this one absolutely hits the mark. It’s the kind of recipe that turns skeptics into fans no one will believe there’s a veggie in it.

And while zucchini muffins recipe versions are great for quick breakfasts, a thick slice of this loaf with your morning coffee feels like a total treat. Even better? It freezes beautifully, so you can always have a stash ready for cravings.

Easy to Make, Impossible to Mess Up

This is one of those forgiving recipes that always comes out right even if you’re new to baking. You don’t need a mixer, fancy pans, or any weird ingredients. Just two bowls, a spatula, and a loaf pan.

The batter comes together fast, and the hardest part is waiting while it bakes. Trust us, your kitchen will smell amazing buttery, chocolatey, and cozy all at once.

If you’ve made our cheap home made blueberry muffins, you’ll be just as comfortable whipping this up. The step-by-step method we use keeps things simple, and we’ll even show you how to adjust it for muffins if you’re in the mood for individual portions.

We also love that this recipe uses ingredients most of us already have in the pantry. A little sour cream, a couple eggs, and zucchini from the garden (or fridge) are all you need to start baking like a pro.

You don’t need to stress over perfection just mix, bake, slice, and enjoy. And once you try it, we’re pretty sure you’ll be making it again and again, just like our reese’s peanut butter banana bread.

How to Make Zucchini Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips

Quick Overview

Here’s what you’ll need for equipment:

  • 9×5 loaf pan
  • Large and medium mixing bowls
  • Whisk and rubber spatula
  • Box grater
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack for cooling

The entire process takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes cooling time. You’ll be rewarded with a thick, golden loaf full of gooey chocolate and sweet zucchini magic.

If you’ve tried our easy banana nut bread with self rising flour, this one’s just as simple and just as satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips ingredients flat lay
Ingredients for making chocolate chip zucchini bread on a cozy counter
IngredientAmount
Finely grated zucchini1 1/2 cups (270g)
All-purpose flour2 cups (264g)
Baking soda1 tsp
Baking powder1/2 tsp
Kosher salt1/2 tsp
Unsalted butter, melted1/2 cup
Granulated sugar1/2 cup (100g)
Light brown sugar (packed)1/2 cup (100g)
Sour cream1/3 cup (82g)
Large eggs2
Vanilla extract2 tsp
Dark chocolate chips1 1/2 cups (plus more for topping)
Flaky sea salt (optional)For topping

Step-by-Step

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment.
  2. Grate zucchini and measure out 1½ cups. Squeeze out the water using your hands or a towel. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth.
  5. Add sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and the squeezed zucchini to the wet mixture. Mix well.
  6. Gently fold in dry ingredients. When just a bit of flour remains, stir in chocolate chips.
  7. Pour batter into the pan. Top with extra chocolate chips.
  8. Bake for 60–70 minutes. A toothpick should come out with just a few crumbs.
  9. Cool in the pan for 30–40 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle flaky sea salt if using.

If you enjoy moist and chocolate-rich quick breads, this recipe will remind you of our buttermilk blueberry breakfast cake rich, fluffy, and crowd-pleasing every single time.

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What to Serve Zucchini Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips With

Perfect Pairings for Breakfast or Snack

This zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips isn’t just dessert it’s a versatile treat that works any time of day. If you’re serving it for breakfast, pair a thick, warm slice with a hot cup of coffee or an iced latte. The deep chocolate flavor melts into each bite and balances beautifully with a bold roast or even spiced chai.

Prefer something lighter? Try it alongside plain Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. That combo turns this loaf into a balanced, protein-packed breakfast. For a comforting afternoon treat, enjoy it with a glass of cold milk or a steamy mug of tea.

And if you’re into cozy breakfast bakes, you might also love our country apple fritter bread, which shares that warm, cinnamon-kissed vibe.

Make It a Dessert Moment

Zucchini chocolate chip muffins are already a sweet snack, but this bread takes it a step further. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice and suddenly it’s the ultimate rustic dessert. You can even drizzle it with chocolate sauce or spread cream cheese frosting over the top for a more decadent finish.

Want to serve it for brunch? Add slices to a breakfast board with fresh fruit, mini pancakes, and muffins like our applesauce bread or cheap home made blueberry muffins. It’s a fun way to make a crowd-pleasing display with minimal effort.

Whether served warm or cold, on its own or dressed up, this chocolate chip zucchini bread is ready to shine whenever you are.

Top Tips for Perfecting Zucchini Bread Recipe with Chocolate Chips

Moisture Management

The #1 tip for getting the perfect texture in this zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips? Squeeze out that zucchini. Once you grate it, the zucchini holds a ton of water and if you skip this step, your bread may turn soggy or underbaked in the center. You don’t need to press it bone-dry, but a good wring by hand over the sink makes a big difference.

Also, use sour cream it adds extra moisture without making the batter too loose, giving the bread a rich and tender crumb. We use this same trick in our buttermilk blueberry breakfast cake, and it works every time.

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If you’re tempted to add more zucchini, resist. Too much moisture can throw off the structure. Stick to 1½ cups finely grated and drained, and you’re golden.

Mixing Matters

When it’s time to combine your wet and dry ingredients, go slow. Overmixing is one of the easiest ways to get tough or gummy bread. Use a rubber spatula and gently fold the batter until you still see a few streaks of flour. Add the chocolate chips at that point, and finish mixing until everything is just combined.

Don’t skip the parchment paper either it helps the bread release cleanly and keeps the crust from sticking. For an extra bakery-style look, top your loaf with a few more chocolate chips before baking. They’ll melt into delicious pools on top.

Lastly, don’t worry if the top cracks that’s totally normal. In fact, a beautiful crack is a sign of a good rise and a fluffy interior. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my zucchini bread crack on top?” it’s actually a good thing!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Keep It Moist, Not Mushy

One of the best things about this zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips is how well it stores — and it actually gets even more flavorful the next day. Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Leave it at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Want it to last longer? Refrigerate it for up to 1 week, but make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent it from drying out. For even longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf. Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

To serve, just pull a slice out and let it thaw at room temp or microwave it for about 20 seconds. The chocolate chips get gooey again, and it tastes like it just came out of the oven.

You can follow the same freezing method we use for our applesauce bread — it’s our favorite way to stock up on quick breakfast options or share with friends.

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How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

When reheating, avoid overdoing it. Microwave a slice for 10–20 seconds to gently warm it through without making the bread rubbery. If using a toaster oven, reheat at 300°F for about 5 minutes, and it’ll taste just-baked.

For an extra treat, add a little butter on top of the warmed slice, or pair it with vanilla yogurt for a sweet breakfast combo.A reliable recipe worth keeping in the rotation.

FAQs

Why does my zucchini bread crack on top?

That beautiful crack down the center? Totally normal — and actually a good sign. It happens because the batter is so moist that it expands and rises in the oven. As the top sets before the middle finishes baking, the center forces its way through, creating a rustic, crackled look. It’s not a flaw — it’s your bread saying, “I rose perfectly!”

How long does chocolate zucchini bread last?

If stored properly, this zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to 1 week in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. We recommend wrapping slices individually so you can grab and thaw exactly what you need.

How many calories are in chocolate chip zucchini bread?

One slice (1/10 of the loaf) of this rich chocolate chip zucchini bread has about 280–320 calories, depending on how thickly you slice it and how many chocolate chips you add on top. It’s indulgent, yes but also includes zucchini, which adds moisture and fiber without a strong flavor.

Does zucchini bread rise?

Yes and it should! Thanks to the baking soda and baking powder, this quick bread rises beautifully into a golden dome. The eggs and sour cream give it extra lift and tenderness. You’ll see a fluffy center and that iconic split top, just like you’d expect from a bakery loaf or classic muffin top.

This zucchini bread recipe with chocolate chips is everything we love in a no-fuss treat: soft, rich, chocolatey, and secretly packed with veggies.Sweet craving or a special treat — this one delivers every time.

So grab that zucchini, melt some butter, and let’s bake something unforgettable. When you make it, don’t forget to share your slice with us on Facebook or tag us on Pinterest. We’d love to see your creation!

Must‑Have Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe:

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Emma Frost
Behind the recipe

Emma Frost

Emma Frost is co-founder and comfort food specialist at The Cooking Twins. She develops and tests the site's savory recipes, with a focus on loaded dinners, cast-iron cooking, and weeknight dishes that are genuinely reliable. Every recipe she publishes has been made independently and cross-checked with Ella before going live. Find her on LinkedIn or reach the team at hello@thecookingtwins.com.More recipes from Emma Frost

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