Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

This Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a moist and rich recipe, which includes grated zucchini and cocoa powder. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour.

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Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Ingredients

  • 1½ cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How To Make Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and gently press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Make the batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips.
  6. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I skip the chocolate chips? Yes, but they add extra richness. You could also substitute with nuts.
  • Why use zucchini in bread? Zucchini adds moisture without affecting the flavor—perfect for soft, tender loaves.
  • Do I need to peel the zucchini? No, the skin is soft and unnoticeable after baking.
  • Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • What if my bread sinks? Avoid overmixing and make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh.

What To Serve With Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This rich loaf pairs perfectly with:

  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Fresh berries or whipped cream
  • Vanilla yogurt or ice cream
  • A dusting of powdered sugar

How To Store Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Refrigerate: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~390
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 30g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make muffins with this batter?
Yes, bake in muffin tins at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Do I need to squeeze all the water out of the zucchini?
Just blot lightly—too much moisture removal can dry out the bread.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, use the same amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.

How do I know when it’s done?
A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs from the center.

Try More Recipes:

Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

390

kcal

Moist and chocolatey zucchini bread with cocoa and chocolate chips—easy to make and perfect for snacking or gifting.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups grated zucchini

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup melted unsalted butter

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1¾ cups flour

  • ½ cup cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

  • ¾ cup chocolate chips

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×5 loaf pan.
  • Grate zucchini and lightly blot with paper towels.
  • In a bowl, whisk sugars, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa, leaveners, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet, then fold in zucchini and chocolate chips.
  • Pour into pan. Bake 50–60 minutes, until toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  • Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.