Mediterranean Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips
This zucchini bread is moist, tender, and lightly spiced, with the added indulgence of chocolate chips. Using fresh grated zucchini keeps the bread soft, while Greek yogurt adds extra moisture and a subtle tang. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s an easy way to incorporate vegetables into a sweet treat.
Total Time: ~1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
¾ cup sugar (can use ½ granulated, ¼ brown sugar)
½–¾ cup chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼–½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Prepare the Zucchini
Grate zucchini and gently squeeze to remove excess moisture if very watery.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Stir in chocolate chips.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Add grated zucchini and Greek yogurt; mix until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake the Bread
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
Zucchini Prep: Grate zucchini finely for a more uniform texture, and gently squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy loaf.
Chocolate Alternatives: Use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or chopped chocolate chunks for variety.
Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Spice Variations: Add a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves for a warmer spice profile.
Sweetener Options: Substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness (reduce liquid slightly if doing so).
Dairy Substitutions: Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream, buttermilk, or a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Mini Loaves or Muffins: Divide batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans for smaller, portable portions; reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes for muffins.
Storage: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this zucchini bread gluten-free?
A: Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly denser, but it will still be moist and delicious.
Q: Can I use frozen zucchini?
A: Yes, but thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before using to prevent a soggy loaf.
Q: Can I make this bread vegan?
A: Replace eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt and oil instead of butter.
Q: Can I add more mix-ins?
A: Absolutely. Chopped nuts, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, or shredded coconut all work well.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
(per slice, approx. 1/10 of loaf)
Calories: ~180
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 12g
Sodium: ~150mg
(Values may vary depending on oil, chocolate chips, and sugar type used.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips is a moist, flavorful, and versatile treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With tender zucchini, warm spices, and melty chocolate chips, it balances sweetness and vegetable nutrition effortlessly. Quick to prepare and highly adaptable, it’s a family-friendly favorite that brings a touch of Mediterranean flavor to a classic baked good.