I made two versions of chocolate chip zucchini bread and included both recipes. The first recipe is for the original zucchini bread. The second is for a healthier version. Both resulted in delicious, moist bread with wonderful cinnamon flavor. The healthier zucchini bread has a few substitutions.

The first substitution is replacing half of the white flour with whole wheat flour. When white flour is processed many nutrients are removed. Whole wheat flour keeps those nutrients, such as fiber and protein. The healthier bread also has less oil and the addition of ground flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in omega-3. The last replacement is dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dark chocolate has more cocoa and is therefore full of antioxidants. Both recipes have walnuts and zucchini, adding additional omega-3, as well as vitamins A, E, and C.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
Makes 1 loaf of bread (16 servings)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup canola oil
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon pure vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup flour
1 cup grated zucchini
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
An additional 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon to sprinkle on top.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Grease a loaf pan; I used a pan that was 8.5 inch x 5.5 inch.
3. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla.
5. Stir until combined.
6. Slowly stir in the flour mixture.
7. Stir in the zucchini, then the chocolate chips and walnuts.
8. Spread the mixture in the loaf pan.
9. Sprinkle the remaining sugar and cinnamon on top.
10. Bake for about 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Light Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup zucchini
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup walnuts
An additional 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon to sprinkle on top.

Follow the instructions for the original zucchini bread. The original zucchini bread recipe is 160 calories per serving. The healthier bread has 137 per slice.

Enjoy and sweeten the soul with chocolate!