Description
Enjoy this moist and flavorful Spiced Chocolate Zucchini Bread, enhanced with bright orange zest and crunchy walnuts. It’s a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium)
- 1/2 cup orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the grated zucchini, orange zest, and chopped walnuts. If using, add the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure your zucchini is well-drained after grating to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange juice to the wet ingredients.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping for a deeper flavor and added crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Sugar: Approximately 30g
- Sodium: Approximately 250mg
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 40mg