Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Loaf

Name: Chocolate Zucchini Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 Standard Loaf
Ingredients: 1 1/4 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 1/2 c. cocoa powder; 1 tsp. baking soda; 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1/2 tsp. salt; 3/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 c. canola oil; 1 c. sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/4 c. milk, room temperature; 1 c. grated zucchini; 2 c. powdered sugar; 1/4 c. cocoa powder; 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 tsp. vanilla; 3 Tbsp. milk

DessertsBreakfastsBreads

Jul 30

Written By Kali Terry

Imagine the perfect loaf — rich, moist, and chocolatey, with a hint of freshness that makes it feel light despite its decadent nature. That’s the magic of the Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Loaf with silky chocolate icing. A delightful balance of comfort and indulgence, this loaf brings together the humble zucchini and deep, velvety chocolate into a treat that’s impossible to resist. But this isn’t just a treat for those avoiding gluten; it’s a cake that will win over anyone, whether they’re gluten-free or not. Let’s dive into what makes this loaf so special. 🍫🍫

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fudgy chocolate cake bread loaf with chocolate icing

A Perfect Fusion of Flavors and Texture

At first glance, the zucchini in this loaf might seem like an odd ingredient in a dessert/loaf. However, zucchini serves as the unsung hero, adding moisture and richness to the loaf without adding any flavor. When combined with cocoa powder and dark chocolate, it creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to achieve with gluten-filled versions. The result is a moist, slightly dense crumb with a perfectly tender bite.

The zucchini flavor is pretty much undetectable, but it adds a decadent moistness that enhances the deep, rich taste of chocolate. And let's not forget the magic that happens when this loaf bakes — the chocolate aroma fills your kitchen, enticing your senses and promising a chocolatey experience like no other.

The Silky Chocolate Icing: A Decadent Touch

What truly elevates this loaf is the silky chocolate icing that wraps the cake in a smooth, glossy finish. This isn’t just any frosting; it’s a luscious, velvety topping that balances the richness of the loaf. When you take a bite, the icing gently melts in your mouth, complementing the dense, slightly brownie-like texture of the loaf beneath.

The icing itself is a decadent blend of chocolate, butter, and a hint of vanilla, offering a perfect finishing touch. The smoothness of the icing contrasts beautifully with the moist crumb, creating a multi-layered experience with every bite. It’s the kind of frosting that leaves a lingering, delightful sweetness on your tongue, inviting you back for just one more slice.

Why It’s So Easy to Love

This Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Loaf is incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. Unlike some gluten-free baked goods that can be tricky to get just right, this loaf is forgiving and comes together with minimal effort. The ingredients are simple, and the method is straightforward, so there’s no need for special equipment or techniques.

The best part? You can mix everything together in only 2 bowls, saving you from extra cleanup. It’s the ideal recipe for when you need a treat to brighten your day without spending hours in the kitchen.

A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy weekend morning or an elegant dessert at the end of a dinner party, this chocolate zucchini loaf fits every occasion. The best part? It's not just for dessert. The mild sweetness and satisfying texture make it a wonderful breakfast option, too. Imagine waking up to a slice of this chocolatey goodness with a cup of coffee or tea — it’s a combination that feels both indulgent and comforting.

This loaf also makes for a fantastic afternoon snack - Paired with a glass of milk? Heaven!! The chocolate offers the kind of deep, rich flavor that feels like a treat, yet still light enough for an everyday bite from the zucchini. It's versatile enough to serve at any gathering or occasion, whether you're hosting a brunch, picnic, or a casual get-together.

Here’s Why You’ll Want to Keep This Recipe Close

Delicious and nutritious: Thanks to the zucchini, you’re sneaking in some veggies without compromising the delicious taste. It’s a clever way to add a nutritional boost while indulging in a treat.
Rich chocolatey goodness: The deep chocolate flavor steals the show. You’ll find that each bite is an explosion of chocolate that satisfies those cravings without feeling overwhelming.
Easy to make: This loaf is simple to put together with minimal effort. A few basic steps and you’ve got yourself a decadent dessert or breakfast option in no time.
Perfect texture: Thanks to the zucchini, this loaf is impossibly moist and tender. It’s the kind of treat that feels soft and comforting, making it perfect for any time of the day.

When Should You Serve This Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Loaf?

Morning comfort: Start your day with a slice of this loaf and a steaming cup of your favorite beverage. Its lightness makes it perfect for a morning treat that doesn’t weigh you down.
A dessert to impress: Serve this loaf after dinner, and you’ll instantly become the star of the evening. With its glossy chocolate icing and rich flavor, it’s the ideal dessert for impressing guests without much effort.
Afternoon pick-me-up: This loaf makes for an irresistible afternoon snack. Whether you’re pairing it with coffee, tea, or milk, it’s the kind of treat that’s perfect for taking a break and refueling.
Bake it as a gift: Wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon, this loaf makes a delightful homemade gift. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just to show you care, it’s a thoughtful treat that anyone will appreciate.

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature unless stated otherwise.

- Toss the chocolate chips in the dry mixture before folding into the wet ingredients to ensure they don’t sink while baking.

- We reccomend baking this recipe in a metal loaf pan - metal is a way better heat conductor compared to glass!

- We recommend peeling and deseeding the zucchini before grating, but you don’t have to.

Whether you're a chocolate lover, a gluten-free baker, or someone who simply enjoys a good loaf of cake, this chocolate zucchini loaf with silky chocolate icing is sure to become a beloved favorite. Its moist, tender texture and decadent chocolate flavor make it a go-to dessert or breakfast treat. Plus, with minimal effort and a touch of zucchini magic, you can enjoy all the joy of a freshly baked, indulgent cake without any of the fuss. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, give this chocolate zucchini loaf a try—you won’t be disappointed!