This delicious chocolate chip zucchini banana bread is super moist and full of flavor! The mix of ripe bananas and grated zucchini makes it a fun and tasty treat.
I love how this bread is like a hug in loaf form! You can have it for breakfast or a snack—it’s so good, I often have to hide it from myself! 🍌🍫
Plus, it’s an easy recipe! Just mash, mix, and bake. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a sweet bite. Who knew healthy could taste this good?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. If you don’t have bananas, applesauce can serve as a substitute, but it may change the texture slightly.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If you don’t have any, pureed pumpkin can be a great substitute to maintain moisture.
Sugar: Can adjust the sweetness to your liking. For a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup, but this might affect the batter’s consistency.
Chocolate Chips: I love semi-sweet chocolate chips, but feel free to swap with dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different taste. You could also use nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Banana Bread to Stay Moist?
Keeping the bread moist hinges on a couple of key practices. First, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
- Keep an eye on your baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry bread, so check it a few minutes early.
- Let the bread rest in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps it stay moist and easier to remove.
- Once it’s out of the oven, store leftovers in an airtight container to lock in moisture.
Moist Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Including the cooling time, you’ll need a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious banana bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to take the bread out once it’s baked.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and, if you like, the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. This mixture will give your bread a lovely flavor and texture! Set it aside for now.
3. Preparing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated zucchini, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where all the magic begins!
4. Combining the Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients you set aside to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your bread might end up tough. A few lumps are just fine!
5. Adding the Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, spreading them evenly throughout the batter for those delicious, melty pockets of chocolate.
6. Pouring into the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a neat finish.
7. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready!
8. Cooling Time:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Slicing and Enjoying:
Once cool, slice the bread and enjoy your moist, flavorful creation! This treat is great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The combination of bananas, zucchini, and chocolate chips makes every bite delicious!
Happy baking! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Unsweetened Applesauce Instead of Oil?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for vegetable oil to make the bread healthier. Use the same amount (⅓ cup) of applesauce, and it will still keep your banana bread moist!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it on the counter when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. About ½ cup should do the trick, but adjust the amount to your preference. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of shredded carrots or even use pureed pumpkin. Each option will give a slight twist to the flavor and keep the bread moist!
