This Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread is the ultimate healthy treat – indulgent, moist, and naturally sweetened. Made with almond flour and extra virgin olive oil instead of coconut oil or butter, it’s rich in chocolate flavor thanks to cocoa and dark chocolate chunks. This easy, one-bowl recipe freezes well and is perfect for meal prep – great for whenever you need a healthy chocolate fix.
Naturally grain free and dairy free, this zucchini bread suits a variety of dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture. Almond flour creates a soft, cake-like crumb, while nutrient-rich ingredients keep it balanced. I love it as a snack, a sweet breakfast, or a healthier dessert throughout the week.
What makes this healthy chocolate zucchini bread unique
- Grain free and dairy free: Unlike many gluten-free breads, this healthy chocolate zucchini bread recipe is both grain free and dairy free, making it perfect for a range of dietary needs.
- Made with almond flour: Almond flour offers a better texture and added nutrition compared to other gluten-free flours, providing healthy fats and protein for a moist loaf.
- Healthier yet indulgent: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this bread delivers a decadent chocolate flavor with unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa and chunks of dark chocolate.
Baking with almond flour and cocoa
Baking with almond flour and cocoa powder requires a few smart adjustments to achieve rich, moist chocolate zucchini bread. Almond flour is high in fat and moisture but lacks gluten, so eggs are essential for binding and structure. For best results, measure almond flour by weight using a kitchen scale – cup measurements can lead to dryness or inconsistent texture. Let loaves made with almond flour cool completely before slicing, as warm slices tend to crumble more easily.
For the best chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It has a smoother, deeper taste and is less acidic than natural cocoa, which can sometimes clash with other ingredients. Dutch cocoa also gives the bread a darker, richer color – perfect for a deeply chocolatey loaf.
Almond flour vs almond meal in gluten free baking
For the best texture in gluten-free baking, use almond flour – not almond meal. Almond flour is made from blanched, finely ground almonds and creates a soft, moist crumb perfect for zucchini bread. Almond meal is coarser and includes the almond skins, which can make the bread denser and grainier. Note that almond flour is also sometimes called blanched almond meal.
Choosing the right zucchini for gluten free chocolate zucchini bread
When making gluten-free chocolate zucchini bread, start with small to medium zucchinis – they have a sweeter flavor and less water than large ones. Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or handheld grater to create fine strands that blend smoothly into the batter. There’s no need to peel the zucchini; the skin is tender, adds fiber, and disappears during baking.
Ingredients for gluten free chocolate zucchini bread
- Almond flour: Offers a moist crumb, is naturally gluten free, and is rich in healthy fats and protein.
- Zucchini: Provides moisture and a boost of nutrients.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For a smooth, deep chocolate flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that keeps the bread moist.
- Almond butter: Works with the olive oil to maintain moisture.
- Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the bread.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together in the absence of gluten. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter for consistent texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise.
- Fine salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Dark chocolate: Chopped into chunks to stud throughout the bread and sprinkle on top.
How to store and freeze chocolate zucchini bread for meal prep
To store zucchini bread, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. Keeping it chilled helps preserve the bread’s moisture and keeps the chocolate flavor fresh. For best results, let the bread cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Zucchini bread also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. It can be frozen for up to three months. Freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly or placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, reheat slices straight from frozen in the microwave or warm them in a low oven until heated through. I usually freeze half the loaf sliced and keep the rest in the fridge – it’s an easy way to have ready-to-eat snacks or breakfast on hand throughout the week.
Frequently asked questions
Chocolate zucchini bread can be a healthier treat when made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, unsweetened cocoa, and natural sweeteners, offering fiber, antioxidants, and added moisture from zucchini.
No, you don’t need to peel zucchini for zucchini bread – its skin is thin, adds nutrients, and blends seamlessly into the batter for extra texture and fiber.
Use the large holes of a box grater or a handheld grater with large holes to shred zucchini. This creates long, thin strands that blend evenly into the batter.
To remove moisture from zucchini, grate it first, then press it between layers of paper towel or a clean tea towel to squeeze out the excess water before adding it to your batter.
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini for zucchini bread. Thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to your batter.
Chocolate zucchini bread can turn out dry if it’s overbaked, contains too much flour, or the zucchini wasn’t moist enough – accurate measuring and not overmixing help retain moisture.
To prevent zucchini bread from sinking in the middle, avoid overmixing the batter, ensure your leavening agents like baking powder are fresh and not expired, and bake at the correct temperature for even rising.
Store gluten-free zucchini bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
More gluten free baking recipes
- Flourless Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Gluten Free Almond Blondies with Olive Oil
- Vegan Sweet Potato Bread with Chocolate Chips
- Small Batch Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Almond Flour Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
You can find more healthy, gluten-free baking ideas on the Baking Recipes page.
Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
Serves
10 slices
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
60 mins
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup / 120 g almond butter
- 1/2 cup / 120 ml / 158 g maple syrup
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml / 55 g extra virgin olive oil (see Note 1)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup / 100 g grated and squeezed zucchini (see Note 2)
- 1 3/4 cup / 168 g almond flour
- 1/4 cup / 25 g Dutch-processed cocoa powder (see Note 3)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 3/4 cup / 100 g chopped dark chocolate (see Note 4)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 320°F / 160°C (fan-forced) or 350°F / 180°C (conventional). Line an 8 x 4 inch / 20 x 10 cm loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and olive oil. Add the eggs and beat until well incorporated.
- Add the grated and squeezed zucchini, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold everything together until evenly combined, then fold in half of the chopped chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining chopped chocolate on top.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Wait until completely cold – or chill in the fridge – before slicing with a sharp knife for the cleanest cut (see Note 5).
Notes
- Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is my preferred choice for its health benefits and lower saturated fat content. You can also use regular olive oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer.
- Zucchini – Measure the zucchini after grating and squeezing out the moisture. To squeeze, spread the grated zucchini over a few sheets of paper towel, place more sheets on top, and press down firmly to absorb the excess liquid. Scoop up the squeezed zucchini and measure it out – ideally in grams using a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Cocoa powder – I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in this recipe for its smoother, less acidic taste. Regular cocoa powder can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Chocolate – For rich chocolate flavor and reduced sugar, I chop up a block of 70% dark chocolate. Feel free to use any chocolate you like – dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, sugar-free chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
- Slicing – Wait until the zucchini bread is completely cool and the chocolate chunks have firmed up before slicing. If it’s still warm, it will be harder to slice cleanly.
- Storage – Store the zucchini bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly or place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheat slices straight from frozen in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving size: 1 slice (made with 70% cocoa dark chocolate)
- Energy: 347 Calories / 1450 Kilojoules
- Total Fat: 26.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4 g
- Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
- Sugars: 13.6 g
- Protein: 9.1 g
- Sodium: 197 mg
- Potassium: 171 mg
