Chocolate Chip Zucchini Loaf

Chocolate meets Zucchini and its love at first sight!

How frustrating is it when your desperately trying to convince your child to eat their veggies? You try to ask nicely the first few times hoping that today is the epiphany and by the third or forth time not only have you raised your voice louder and deeper you've also just found yourself promising them a new toy, or a special treat after their dinner if they would just eat their veggies!
Well, problem solved with this recipe...and the best part is that you will have the last laugh. No need to fight them anymore...well at least not with Zucchini. This moist, rich, fudgy cake will have them begging for more and you laughing under your breath.

If you don't have little ones to feed then you can devour this all by yourself.  Having a slice with your morning coffee will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will jump start your day with a serving of veggies!

1 1/2 Cups shredded raw zucchini

1 Cup all purpose flour

1/2 Cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder

1/2 Cup canola oil

1/2 Cup white sugar

2 Eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 Cup Semi-Sweet chocolate chips

~Preheat oven to 350 F

~Spray (or line) a 9x5 loaf pan and set aside

~Place the shredded zucchini on a paper towel to absorb some of the liquid

~In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder.

~In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until combined. Add the oil and vanilla extract.

~Add the wet ingredients to the dry and combine.  Add the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.

~Pour mixture into a 9x5 loaf pan and bake on the centre rack for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing into it.

You can also use this recipe to make muffins.  Simply line a muffin tin. Baking time will vary when making muffins.  Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out dry.  Depending on the moisture in your zucchini causes the baking time to vary. 

Enjoy with a morning coffee knowing your getting a healthy start to your day!


If you don't have espresso powder in your pantry, don't panic. The coffee is just added to boost the chocolate flavour. Leaving it out of the recipe won't alter it in any way.


Natalie