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.
Jump to RecipeIna 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
- 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.
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and gently press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Make the batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips.
- 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.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes50
minutes390
kcalMoist and chocolatey zucchini bread with cocoa and chocolate chips—easy to make and perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
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1½ cups grated zucchini
-
1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
-
½ cup melted unsalted butter
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2 eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1¾ cups flour
-
½ cup cocoa powder
-
1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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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.
