Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
This healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread recipe makes for an epic breakfast or snack! High in protein, healthy fats, complex carbs and minimally sweetened!
As we're heading into the final weeks of summer, I thought it would be appropriate to share a wholesome, delicious way to use up zucchini!
Zucchini is probably one of my absolute favorite summer vegetables. Not only is it high in fiber and super hydrating, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can make zucchini noodles with avocado alfredo, you can add it to your smoothies, you can make zucchini bread breakfast cookies OR you could whip up this outrageously healthy chocolate chip zucchini bread!
And it just so happens this tasty little number makes a perfect back-to-school snack!
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen my story from a few days ago chatting about quick breads.
I'm a HUGE fan of quick breads because they're a cinch to make, I love all the different flavor combos you can create and it just so happens that I figure out the perfect formula.
This formula is one that I've been using over and over again to create my healthy quick bread recipes.
You might actually recognize it if you've tried any of my other recipes (there are 4 different variations on the blog so far!), and it has yet to fail me.
The base is a blend of almond and quinoa flours which I think are a perfect combination. You get the healthy fat, protein and tender texture from the almond flour, while the quinoa adds structure and lift with the high protein content. Plus you're also getting all those amazing vitamins and minerals from these two superfoods.
What I absolutely LOVE about this formula is that it doesn't require much-added sweetness or oil. I know many of you are watching your sugar intake, which I think is so important, and some other folks are cutting back on oils.
Unlike other traditional chocolate chip zucchini breads, this recipe uses just 1/4 cup of added sweetener and 1 tablespoon of oil. Yup, that's it! I found a recipe on Food Network that called for 1 cups of white sugar and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil ????
And yet my healthy chocolate chip zucchini bread is still totally sweet, has the perfect springy texture and tastes just a delicious as the “real” thing.
My favorite way to enjoy this zucchini bread is slightly warm with a smear of nut butter.
It makes a delicious afternoon snack, quick breakfast or late-night treat. I mean you really do have it all with this recipe:
Complex carbs
Healthy fats
Protein
Veggies
Fruit
…and chocolate!
How can we so no to something like that?! (<– answer is, you can't)
I'm so excited to see you try this recipe and can't wait to hear what you think. Bonus points if you make a double batch and freeze your slices so you can have chocolate chip zucchini bread all year long!
And like I mentioned, there are plenty of other quick bread recipes on the blog to try. You could whip up my Healthy Pumpkin Bread recipe this fall and/or serve this delicious Cranberry Quinoa Banana Bread during the holidays!
Last but not least, if you do end up trying this recipe, I'd love to see a pic ❤️ you can tag me on Instagram using @simplyquinoa or #simplyquinoa and I'll be able to give you a like and love in return!
More Healthy Quick Loaf Recipes:
- Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Blueberry Banana Bread
- Pumpkin Bread
- Cranberry Quinoa Banana Bread
- Gingerbread Loaf
Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup quinoa flour
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup mashed banana measured, from about 2 small
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or oil of choice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup shredded zucchini pressed of juice
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips + more for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add the dry ingredients to the bowl and whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, banana, syrup, oil and vinegar. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir together until a thick batter has formed.
- Shred the zucchini and press the juices out using a clean dish towel. Add zucchini and chocolate chips into the batter and fold together.
- Transfer batter to the prepared loaf tin, sprinkle with additional chocolate chips and shredded zucchini if desired. Bake on the center rack for 45 - 55 minutes (mine took around 48) until the top has turned golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 1 hour then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing. It's important the loaf has completely cooled or else it might be soggy in the center!
Video
Nutrition
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What can I use as an alternative to a banana?
Applesauce should work but it won’t be as sweet 🙂
Are you aware of anything that I could use to substitute for the eggs?
I haven’t tested these vegan – but you could try to use two flax eggs. I’m just worried it might not rise and/or will be gummy. The eggs really help with the height and texture!
Made this last night! I think I needed to add more syrup and chocolate chips for next time. Loved how easy this was.
So glad you enjoyed! The sugar on top definitely helps make it a bit sweeter as well 🙂
Do you need the vanilla powder for the recipe or could you make this without it?
You can leave it out or just use extract 🙂
I made this yesterday and it came out great. Very moist and just slightly sweet. Mine was perfect at 40 min so I’m glad I checked it.
Looks marvelous — the best ever! But… where is the Quinoa? This is a misnomer, being in the Quinoa recipe list.
We’re using quinoa flour 🙂
What about nut-free entirely? Any ideas?
I haven’t tested it without almond flour! Sorry about that!
This bread looks and sounds amazing! Do you think I could sub the eggs with “flax eggs” or is it a recipe that really needs the eggs.
I haven’t tested with flax eggs to be honest, so I’m not sure. Sorry!!
I’m allergic to almonds- is there another variety of flour I could use?
I think you could try another nut flour like hazelnut, cashew or macadamia!