Wholesome Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This is the chocolate quick bread that lets you feel good about a second slice. Two cups of shredded zucchini melt invisibly into the batter, keeping the loaf moist while adding no discernible vegetable flavor, which is exactly why kids never catch on.

It leans wholesome without tasting like it. Whole wheat flour and rolled oats add fiber and a heartier texture, plain yogurt keeps it tender with less butter, and the sugar is dialed back so the bittersweet chocolate reads as real chocolate rather than candy.

A handful of chopped walnuts adds crunch, and a little lemon zest brightens the whole thing.

Squeeze the shredded zucchini before it goes in. Excess water is the line between a moist loaf and a soggy, gummy one, so wring it out in a towel first.

Kitchen Tips

• Wring the shredded zucchini in a clean towel to draw out the water, or the loaf bakes up dense and wet in the middle.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is in. Stir just until combined to keep the crumb tender.
• Toast the walnuts first for deeper flavor and crunch.
• Cool completely before slicing. Quick breads are fragile and crumbly while warm.

Variations

• Stir in chocolate chips along with the chopped chocolate for melty pockets.
• Swap the walnuts for pecans, or leave the nuts out entirely.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate.