Chocolate Chip-Orange Zucchini Bread
A moist, flavorful zucchini bread infused with orange zest and studded with chocolate chips and walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups raw zucchini, unpeeled, grated ⓘ
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup mini-chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon orange rind, grated ⓘ
- 3 cups flour, sifted ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat eggs until light and fluffy; add sugar and continue beating until well blended.
- Stir in oil, vanilla, zucchini, nuts, chocolate chips, and orange rind.
- Sift dry ingredients together; stir into egg mixture.
- Turn the batter into 2 greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until bread tests done.
- Remove from pans; cool on a rack.
- Chill before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter bread, consider using half applesauce and half oil. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Make sure to choose fresh zucchini for the best flavor, and grating it finely ensures even distribution in the batter. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of cardamom.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Chip-Orange Zucchini Bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making it a comforting end to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through, preserving its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip-Orange Zucchini Bread contains roughly 4740 calories, with 46g protein, 524g carbohydrates, and 218g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (207% of the Daily Value), calcium (151% of the Daily Value), and iron (103% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute other types of flour in this recipe?
You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may yield a denser texture. Gluten-free all-purpose flour can also be used as a substitute. Just be sure to check if additional binding agents are needed based on the flour you choose.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).