Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (not packed)
- 1 ⅛ tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (not packed or squeezed, from about 1 1/4 large zucchinis)
- cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dry mixture ensuring an even distribution without overmixing.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, apple sauce, and the shredded zucchini until well combined.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently until just blended; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the bread: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not pack or squeeze the shredded zucchini to retain moisture for a tender bread.
- Use unbleached all-purpose flour and white whole wheat flour for a balanced texture and health benefits.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking and drying out the bread.
- Substituting apple sauce helps reduce fat content and adds natural sweetness.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian