When life gives you zucchini bake this chocolate zucchini bread and when life gives you carrots bake this carrot cake. If you are a member of Costco or other such membership warehouse clubs, you might have understood what I'm trying to tell. For those who haven't heard about Costco, it's a store which sells products at low prices but at very high volume, which is usually preferred by large families and businesses. To make it more clear, if you pay $3 for 2lbs of carrots in your regular grocery store, you would be paying the same for 10lbs in Costco. Of course it's a steal but what to do with the 5 kilos of carrots or 3 kilos of zucchini in a family of 3 adults and 1 kid? Then you might ask me, why do you buy it when you think that it's too much.
The reply would be "you haven't met my husband yet". However precise the list can be, he doesn't fail to surprise me each and every time he does the groceries. Either he forgets to buy something, or will buy something which I haven't mentioned or will get kilos of 1 item in the list, like the time he got carrots and zucchini. With a newborn at home it's not as easy as it used to be for me to go shopping. These days I have 2 columns in the list, one for vegetables/fruits to be bought and the other for vegetables not to be bought and another column for lot of instructions. Believe me or not I'm actually spending more time on writing the list than cooking because it has to be so specific otherwise I end up having a store of my own. The time he bought 10 pounds of carrots I literally started crying especially when he started justifying that I should consider this an opportunity to cook/bake something new and blog about it. I wonder if all husbands are bestowed with this unique trait.
So I was going through a couple of recipe sites to get some ideas and finally decided to bake a chocolate zucchini bread. I also tried a zucchini kheer (pudding) which came out very good. I'll blog about that in VegCorner. I tried this bread recipe with few changes to make it healthier. I'm a fan of whole wheat pastry flour and have found that it works best with chocolate/cocoa powder. So I switched the all purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour, replaced some of the fat with unsweetened applesauce and reduced the quantity of chocolate chips by using the mini chips. All in all, it was one tasty bread and I was able to give this for my son's breakfast without thinking twice. The only change I would make the next time I bake this chocolate zucchini bread is using a smaller loaf pan instead of the 9x5 inch pan because the bread did not rise like the other quick breads I have baked so far.
Recipe
Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups Shredded Zucchini
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
- ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice
- ¼ cup Oil
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- ½ cup Granulated White Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons Buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Semi sweet, mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C for 15 minutes. Lightly grease an 8x4 inch loaf pan (See Note 1). I also lined it with a piece of parchment paper to enable easy removal of the loaf from the pan.
- Grate the zucchini and keep it aside. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, leaveners, salt and spice.
- In another medium size bowl beat together the oil, applesauce, both the sugars, buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the grated zucchini with the wet ingredients.
- To this add the flour mixture and beat it until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake it between 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Mine was done in about 58 minutes.
- Transfer the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Remove the bread from the pan after 10 minutes and let it cool completely before you can slice it. Leaving the bread to cool overnight is preferable.
My Notes
- I used a 9x5 inch pan and felt that the bread did not rise as expected because the recipe was too small for that size pan. That's why I have suggested to use an 8x4 pan instead. I'm not sure whether it's the pan size or the use of whole wheat pastry flour instead of all purpose flour.
- If you are a spice fan, go ahead and add about ½ a teaspoon of ground cinnamon as well to make this chocolate zucchini bread more aromatic.
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Zach says
we love THIS BREAD.
Madhuram says
Thank you, Zach.
Lesley says
Do you have to use buttermilk? Can I use almond milk? Or another organic/vegan option?
Madhuram says
You can use almond milk and a teaspoon of vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk.
Deepali Jain says
I made this for a potluck party substituting few things based on my pantry stock as well as preference and it turned out excellent. I am being requested daily to make it again. Thanks for a great recipe.
Madhuram says
Thanks for the feedback Deepali.
Kalyani says
Hi Madhuram:
I made this with some changes and turned out fab !! thanks for this recipe 🙂
Here's a link back from my blog to your's: http://www.sizzlingtastebuds.com/2016/03/double-chocolate-zucchini-bread-for.html
Cheers
Kalyani
Madhuram says
That's great Kalyani. Will check it out. 🙂
Kruti says
Hi, can we use all purpose flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour??
Madhuram says
Yes you can.
Ritu says
Hi Madhuri,
Is there any way to make this recipe with less sugar but it can still taste good?
Thanks
Ritu
Madhuram says
Maybe you can try using 1/3rd cup of sugar and omitting the chocolate chips to cut back on the sugar.
Ritu says
Hi Can I use regular milk vs buttermilk? My son us allergic to eggs and your website is perfect!I tried the peanut butter banana bread and he loves it!
Madhuram says
Yes, that should not be a problem. Thanks Ritu. 🙂
Vaishali Sabnani says
Lovely bread there..yes most hubby's are like that who would get either in kilos or forget:)) ..anyway wanted to know two things. What can I use instead of pastry flour? Can we substitute Zuccini with bottle gourd or any other veggie? Looking forward to a quick response. Thank You.
Madhuram says
You can use all-purpose flour itself or half of APF and half of whole wheat flour. Yes you can use bottle gourd instead of zucchini.
linnyninja says
Wow this looks amazing... totally going to make these this afternoon:)
Adi says
Mmmmmmm...
Sarita says
Hello
Thanks for the great tasting recipes I added 2 tbsps of black chia seeds, 2 tbsps of ground roasted flax, used rice milk, apple cider vinegar raw for the vinegar substitute, 1/4 c. More cocoa, yes I doubled the recipe, used the mini muffin tins, used conventional oven 10 mins at 350. These freeze well and make tasty school snacks. Thanks for the vegan recipes .
Sarita
Madhuram says
You're welcome Sarita.
Rupa Lakshminarayan says
Hi Madhu
I compared your recipe list with the "joy of baking" website from where you said you got the original recipe
baking powder per you = 1/2 tsp
baking powder per joy website = 1/4 tsp
why the difference when all other things are the same
thanks
- Rupa
Madhuram says
The original recipe uses 2 eggs which I have replaced with applesauce, buttermilk and increased the quantity of baking powder. Usually while using pureed fruit as an egg substitute it is suggested to increase the quantity of baking powder (not too much though because it will become bitter) to compensate for the dense texture the pureed fruit gives.
Kim says
Oh, and it rose quite nicely in an 8 x 4 pan. I am not used to seeing eggless recipes rise like that! I have an egg allergy, and your site has helped me enjoy my favorite yummies! Thanks again!
Madhuram says
Thanks for giving it a shot Kim.
Kim says
I have been eyeballing this recipe since you posted it, and I finally made it today. It is soooooo delicious! I can't stop eating it! I added a little flaxmeal and squeezed my zucchini just a little. It was so moist! I think I probably could have squeezed a little more juice out of the zucchini to make it a little drier...I can use this recipe to satisfy my craving for brownies in a much healthier way! Thanks for posting!!!!
Denise says
can you tell me what I can use instead of buttermilk? I don't have any on hand. Also, would it be okay to use sweetened cocoa? Would I use less sugar?
Erin says
Hi Denise,
I never have buttermilk on hand, so when I made this recipe I added a little bit of white vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a couple minutes.
Erin says
Hello! I tried out this recipe last night and decided to make it into muffins. I used a large muffin tin and the recipe made 8 servings, and only took 20 minutes to bake to perfection! Thank you for the great recipe!
Madhuram says
You're welcome Erin. Its good to know that it works out in muffins tins as well.
Pushpa Bhargava says
Really it was a yummy combination.. I wanna taste it...
So,
Sandhya says
Madhuram
I absolutely love your website. I have now made the zuchinni and banana bread and the blueberry muffins several times - we love them. I am trying this one tonight. I will let you know how it goesThank you so much for giving us so many great recipes. My son has several food allergies which is what led me to your site. Thank you.
Madhuram says
You're welcome Sandhya. I'm happy that your son can enjoy these baked goods.
Anuradha says
Hi Madhu,
I tried this receipe. The taste is good. But the texture is like brownie and not like bread. The inner part is moist. I used a 8*4 pan and left it cool down all over night. But stil when I cut it the knife is not clear. I bought the whole wheat pastry in loose and not in a packet. I thought this may be the reason. Where and what brand whole wheat pastry flour do you buy?
spice says
Hi dear, first of all congrats for your new born, I don't think I've visited U in a long time....now when U talk about husband doing grocerries I totally agree with U....me too always write what not to buy because he's like a kid in a candy store when he's in the fresh produce section(a secret me too same but I justify all my purchases...lol..)another thing in my case b eready to get atleast 10 phone calls from griocerry store that sometime I feel why did I send him for grocerries......so enjoy your experiments with zuchini/carrots and whatever else life(read husband) gives U(read buys for U)....bread looks good....
jayasree says
Hi madhura
Can u help me one of my question. I had tasted so many pastries ii
in india. I like pastries very much than cakes. My question is
what is the difference between cake and pastry. Can u post any pas
pastry in your site for pastry lovers like me.
Madhuram says
Jayashree, pastries can be a general term and it also includes cakes, tarts etc. I think you would have tasted desserts using pastry dough, which is a dough made with all purpose flour, butter/shortening etc. This dough is the base for many things like pies, danishes, tarts etc. This dough can be used for savory (like our Indian vegetable puffs) and sweets too. This rolled out dough is called puff pastry and is available in the frozen desserts section in almost all supermarkets. I'll try to post some recipes using them too.
NSG says
hey! Happy new year (though very late)
have been to India.. good to see you back in action 🙂
This bread looks awesome and very inviting!
renu says
I baked this today for Valentine's..came out so good. Thank you!
Dee says
Hi madhu
This recp looks awesome. Even I have a same question as rupa do , do we have to squeeze out the water from zucchini
I really can't wait to try this recp
Thanks
Madhuram says
Not necessary Dee.
asha says
Looks yummy...... must try. Since zucchini is xpensive in India. I
will try substituting with bottle gourd.
Madhuram says
I tried this substitution once and was able to experience the raw smell of bottlegourd. I'm not sure if it was only me because my husband and son didn't notice it.
Rupa says
Hey Madhu
Thanks for such a wonderful receipe...its low fat too !!...gr8
Question
1) Which brand of WWF do you use (I have seen Bob's Red Mill and Hodgon's Mill)
2) If I dont want to use WWR and want to do 50:50 of All Purpose Flour and Whole Wheat Flour.....will there be any other changes to the receipe proportions?
3) Did you grate the Zucchini very fine or big in a food processor ? and did you drain out the water out of this
4) In replacement of Zucchini...what other fruit / vegetable ?
-Rupa
Madhuram says
Rupa, I get whole wheat pastry flour in bulk here. These days I also mill my own flour. You wouldn't have to change the recipe if you use a combo of flours. I did hand grate the zucchini (medium size) and did not drain the water. Any flavorless vegetable should be good. I mean flavorless because I once used bottle gourd in a chocolate cake and was able to smell it. So carrots, apples should be good.
Mary @ Delightful Bitefuls says
I think this bread looks and sounds sooo delicious! Bookmarked!
Great blog; happy I found you!
Faith Ellens says
WOW!!! Zucchini for a cake?! Who would have thought! Marvelous! Thanks for the recipe!
Baker says
Hi,
I am not a big fan of baking soda.
Is there something else that can be used.Like apple cider vinegar?
Thanks and good luck!
Madhuram says
Sorry, I haven't tried a substitute for baking soda.
Jennifer (Delicieux) says
This looks so delicious. A great way for children to get more vegetables without really knowing.
We don't have Costco here yet but I am hoping we will get it soon.
R.siva babu says
i loved ur food .look so beautiful ur website so beautiful
Priya says
Thats the reason i never ask my H to go for purchasing, else he will do the same too...Bread looks wonderful..
Paula says
wow! with zuccini it must be so strange but delicious!
Jayasri says
hahaha, I did not know there was somebody just like my H, exactly I really won't trouble with making so many lists, as it is often supermarkets he goes to without me sometimes, but I have strictly told him anything which attracts him to buy, he has to give me a call, otherwise he has to be ready for my shouting and screeming :)), he acts like my son with a funny grin in his face if he has bought anything like that, and thinking of costco, I always go with him I compare prices with supermarket and wouldn't allow him to buy, but he gets carried away with those cakes and things like that!, and of course all buy one get one frees too.., Inbtw,.. the bread looks gorgeous, long back I baked a zucchini and carrot bread (both the veggies in one bread!) and took it to my friend's place, after that I never baked one again, I have completely forgotten about it, I have not tried only zucchini bread, this looks so delicious, and lovely click too.., I just want to know something, what is WWF flour, in UK any Idea.
CurryLeaf says
Ha Ha I can understand your plight. "We" too buy in bulk.Mostly "We" is my H. So when we moved in to our own home,the first thing I planned for my kitchen is a 7ft cupboard apart from the normal regular kitchen cupbds. But now,even that is not enough :(. Thankfully this bulk buying rarely extends to veggies else I do not know what I would have done.
Love the bread.I am yet to try a bread with zucchini.always uses it for some gravies or raithas or snack.I do not think wwpflour does prevents rising.Maybe the pan.
I will add cinnamon Madhu. Love it.
Magriet du Plessis says
I think if you use half the amount of flour as whole wheat flour and half all purpose flour the end result will be better. Whole wheat flour does give you a very dense and moist texture
Neela says
Hi,
I found similar recipe under google "eat little eat big" called
Double Chocalate Zucchni Brownies. This recipe uses baking soda and
mix of flours. Also, in the past I used to add crushed pineapple,
raisins, and walnuts to regular zucchni bread; it tasted so
delicious with few additional ingredients. I need to experience this
one, yet.
Madhuram says
That's true, crushed pineapples give a nice flavor and moistness to the bread.
Neela says
Hi,
Have you or anyone tried it with crushed and drained
pineapple before? Thanks for your response. You have a
very nice website, which I enjoy so much. In the future
I look forward for diabetic, versions; by using low glycemic
values of sweets in baking. Thanks again.
Madhuram says
Thanks Neela. Will work on your request.
harini-jaya says
I can totally understand your plight about husband going out to shop.
My husband has been labelled as a Marketing spokesperson of the Warehouse clubs.
So you are definitely not alone 🙂 Lovely bread though!
Nishi says
Loved the recipe madhu. It's brilliant 🙂