Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

If you’re looking for a delicious way to sneak in some veggies, then this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is just the recipe for you! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick treat or for family gatherings where everyone will be begging for seconds. Trust me, no one will even suspect there’s zucchini hiding in this scrumptious bread. The combination of creamy peanut butter and gooey chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Plus, like banana bread, the flavors mellow beautifully on day two—if there are any slices left by then!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet taste of peanut butter and chocolate.
• Versatile: Great as breakfast or dessert; perfect for any time of day!
• Make-Ahead Joy: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Moist & Flavorful: The zucchini keeps the bread moist while enhancing the taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need to get started on this delightful treat!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 and 2/3 cups (208g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (processed or natural)
• 2/3 cup (133g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (113g) honey
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk (any kind), at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) shredded zucchini (no need to blot)
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

• Add some nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Swap the sweetener: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a warm spice kick.
• Turn it into muffins: Simply pour the batter into muffin tins instead of a loaf pan for easy grab-and-go snacks.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Greasing your loaf pan with nonstick spray ensures that your beautiful bread won’t stick when it’s time to take it out. A well-prepped pan means easy removal!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step helps distribute all the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour so your bread rises perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, mix together your wet ingredients: oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, honey, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth; this ensures that every bite will be flavorful. Once combined, pour these wet ingredients into your dry mixture.

Step 4: Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chips

Gently stir or whisk until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bread! With a silicone spatula, fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips gently. This thick batter is what makes your bread so rich!

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Spread that luscious batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–70 minutes but keep an eye on it! Halfway through baking, loosely cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about an hour before removing from the pan. If you’re patient enough to let it cool completely before slicing, you’ll end up with nice neat slices!

Enjoy making this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread—it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh zucchini – Fresh zucchini will provide the best moisture and flavor. Avoid using old or wilted zucchini, as it may not blend well into the batter.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to keep the bread tender. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which isn’t what we want for this delicious quick bread.

• Check for doneness early – Ovens can vary in temperature; start checking for doneness at 55 minutes. This prevents overbaking, ensuring your bread remains moist and flavorful.

• Let it cool completely before slicing – Allowing the bread to cool on a wire rack helps set its texture. Slicing too soon can result in a crumbly loaf that’s hard to manage.

• Experiment with add-ins – Feel free to mix in nuts or seeds for added crunch! They not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutritional value of your bread.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Serving Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is all about making it feel special! Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, there are plenty of ways to present this scrumptious treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of each slice for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds sweetness and warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Peanut butter drizzle: Melt some peanut butter and drizzle it over the top right before serving for an indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bread.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with berries and granola alongside your bread for a balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with this sweet loaf, enhancing its flavors while providing a cozy vibe.
• Smoothie: Blend up a fruity smoothie that complements the peanut butter flavor, making for a delightful breakfast or snack combo!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re set to enjoy your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a loaf ahead of time, making it an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate it, where it will last for up to 1 week.
• To keep it fresh, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

• Allow the bread to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a quick warm-up, microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes! Almond butter is a great substitute if you’re looking for a nut-free option or simply want to switch it up. Just make sure it’s creamy for the best texture.

How do I know when my Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few small moist crumbs. Remember to cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking if it starts browning too quickly!

Can I make muffins instead of bread?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted into muffins. Just pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

What should I do if my zucchini bread is too dense?

If your bread turns out dense, ensure that you’re measuring your flour correctly (spooning and leveling). Overmixing can also lead to density, so gently combine wet and dry ingredients.

How long does this zucchini bread stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread will stay delicious for about 5 days. It’s even tastier on day two as the flavors meld together!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies while indulging in sweet flavors. Whether you share it with friends or savor every slice yourself, I’m sure it’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking!