Best Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than the Best Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts Recipe. This delightful loaf combines moist, tender zucchini bread peppered with rich chocolate chips and crunchy toasted walnuts for the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. It’s an irresistible snack, breakfast, or dessert that easily wins over even those who usually shy away from veggies. The tender crumb, spices, and delightful crunch ensure that this bread will be a beloved staple in your kitchen in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a wonderfully straightforward selection of ingredients that come together to create magic in your loaf pan. Each component plays a key role from the spices that add warmth to the zucchini that keeps the bread moist and tender, making this the Best Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts Recipe you’ll ever bake.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bread and absorbs moisture perfectly for a tender crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that golden crust.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Essential for the bread’s rise and light texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Boosts the leavening, ensuring a soft, fluffy loaf.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: Gives a warm, comforting spice to elevate the bread.
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty spice that pairs beautifully with zucchini.
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (optional): Imparts subtle floral notes for a special touch.
• 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini): Keeps the bread moist and tender with natural freshness.
• 1/2 cup melted butter: Brings richness and flavor for a soft, lush crumb.
• 1/4 cup neutral oil: Adds moisture without overpowering other flavors.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Lends deep caramel notes and extra moisture.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Enhances tenderness and imparts a subtle tang for balance.
• 2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and add to the bread’s structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with warm, sweet aroma.
• 1 cup chocolate chips: Mini and chopped dark chocolate bring bursts of melty richness.
• 3/4 cup toasted walnuts (or pecans): Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
• 1 tablespoon raw sugar: Creates a lightly crisp, sugary topping on the loaf.

How to Make Best Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or generously grease it with nonstick spray so your bread comes out clean and perfect every time.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

Toast your walnuts on a dry baking sheet in your preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Give them a stir and continue to toast in 2-minute increments until they turn golden and smell fragrant. Toasting the nuts amplifies their flavor, elevating your zucchini bread to new heights.

Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom together. This mix is the backbone that ensures your bread is perfectly spiced and balanced.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter. Add the oil, brown sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth and glossy—this blend brings moisture and richness that your zucchini bread craves.

Step 5: Shred and Blot the Zucchini

Use a box grater or food processor to shred the zucchini. Then, blot or gently squeeze it using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step keeps your bread from becoming too wet or gummy, maintaining that ideal hearty yet tender crumb.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Add the shredded zucchini to the dry ingredients and stir lightly. Then fold this mixture into your wet ingredients gently and only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread, so treat the batter softly.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Now stir in the chocolate chips and toasted walnuts with a gentle hand. These bring delightful texture and sweetness that makes this the Best Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts Recipe stand out.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the top with raw sugar for a subtle crunch or add a few chocolate chips if you like. Bake in the oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, covering with foil if the bread browns too fast. Patience is key—your reward is a moist and perfectly golden loaf.

Step 9: Cool Properly

Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment and let it finish cooling right on the rack to develop those irresistible crispy edges. If you didn’t use parchment, carefully remove the loaf after 30 minutes and cool the same way.

How to Serve Best Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

Serve your zucchini bread with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light spread of softened butter to add that extra touch of indulgence. For a special treat, drizzle a little honey or a smear of cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs wonderfully with morning coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk. For brunch, consider pairing it with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly—then top with almond butter and banana slices for a delicious breakfast twist. You can also transform leftover slices into a decadent bread pudding or layer them with ice cream for a quick dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your zucchini bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This ensures it maintains its moisture and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a ziplock bag before freezing for up to three months. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices, which makes for convenient, anytime snacks.

Reheating

Thaw frozen slices at room temperature while still wrapped to retain moisture, then warm gently in a toaster or microwave on a low power setting. Toasting slices restores crisp edges and enhances flavor, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut besides walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully, too. Just be sure to toast them gently to bring out their best flavor before adding them to the batter.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No need to peel the zucchini; the skin adds color, texture, and nutrients. Make sure to shred it finely and blot excess moisture for the best results.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to achieve a similar moisture and tang, though the texture might be slightly different.

Will this bread work without chocolate chips?

Yes, the bread is delicious even without chocolate chips, but they add lovely bursts of sweetness that complement the spices and walnuts perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Using a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend can work nicely, but results may vary. Be sure to check the blend’s behavior in quick breads and adjust baking time if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Best Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts Recipe is a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a brilliant way to sneak some veggies into your day without sacrificing flavor or comfort. Trust me, once you bake this loaf, it will become your go-to for gifting, snacking, and simply savoring something wonderfully homemade.

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