Are you on the hunt for a baking project that promises both mouthwatering flavours and a nod to nutrition? Look no further! My Chocolate Almond and Zucchini Bread strikes the perfect balance, making it an outstanding addition to your recipe collection. This isn’t our average loaf. I’m talking about a soft, rich and utterly delicious bread that ingeniously incorporates zucchini, transforming it into a healthier treat for those sweet cravings. so, whether you’re a wizard in the kitchen or just beginning your baking journey, this recipe is crafted to walk you through each step towards creating a loaf that will dazzle taste buds across the board.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe.
This Chocolate Almond and Zucchini Bread recipe isn’t just about indulging your sweet tooth; it’s a celebration of texture, taste, and wholesome goodness. Here’s why it’s bound to become your new go-to treat:
- Healthier Indulgence: With zucchini as a key ingredient, you’re getting a dose of veggies in each slice without compromising on taste.
- Rich and Soft: The combination of almonds and chocolate ensures a rich, soft texture that’s irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Perfect for lunch boxes, as a snack, or dessert, this bread suits any occasion.
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The Secret is in the Zucchini
The magic ingredient in our delectable bread, zucchini, is far more than just a filler. This versatile vegetable acts as a natural moistener, ensuring that every slice of bread is sumptuously soft and tender. Its high-water content releases moisture during the baking process, which not only prevents the bread from drying out but also contributes to a remarkably tender texture.
Unlike other ingredients that might overpower the delicate balance of flavours, zucchini complements the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate and the nutty crunch of almonds beautifully. The subtlety of zucchini’s flavour means it enhances without dominating, allowing the chocolate and almond notes to shine through. This makes for a loaf that’s incredibly soft and rich, with a depth of flavour that’s both complex and satisfying.
Moreover, zucchini’s role in this recipe extends beyond texture and taste to include nutritional benefits, making it a secret weapon for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet. Rich in vitamins and minerals, zucchini boosts the health quotient of our bread without sacrificing an ounce of flavour.
It’s a clever way to incorporate veggies into meals, especially for those who might be picky eaters or simply looking to increase their vegetable intake. By integrating zucchini into this bread, you’re not just baking; you’re also making a small but meaningful commitment to healthier eating habits. Every slice is a step towards a more balanced diet, proving that indulgence and well-being can indeed go hand in hand. So, when we talk about the secret ingredient in our Chocolate Almond and Zucchini Bread, it’s clear that zucchini is much more than just a humble addition; it’s the heart of the recipe, marrying moisture, taste, and nutrition in every bite.
Chocolate Almond & Zucchini Bread.
SERVES 10 PREP 10 MINS COOK 55 MINS
100g coconut oil, at room temperature
120g coconut sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 medium zucchini, grated
3 tbsp. almond milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 heaped cup (115g) spelt flour
50g chocolate protein powder
3/8 cup (50g) ground almonds
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
4 tbsp. natural cacoa powder
½ tsp salt
Step By Step Guide.
1. Prep Work
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Grate your zucchini and set aside – no need to squeeze out the moisture; it’s what makes the bread deliciously soft.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, protein powder, cacoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. This ensures your bread has the perfect foundation.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, milk, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mix is going to add that irresistible softtness to your bread.
4. Merge Dry and Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want a soft, tender bread, not a tough one.
5. Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped almonds. This step is where the magic happens, blending textures and flavours into every bite.
6. Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage.
Slice up this heavenly loaf and serve as is, or warm it up slightly for a gooey chocolate experience. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee or a cold glass of milk. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Let’s Talk Health Benefits.
When it comes to indulgent treats, it’s rare to find one that also packs a punch in the nutrition department. But my Chocolate Almond and Zucchini Bread ticks all the boxes. Each serving comes in at 274 kcal, which is moderate for such a decadent loaf. The 17 grams of fats present are primarily from the almonds, known for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats are not just good for the heart; they also help you feel full and satisfied, curbing the urge for unnecessary snacking.
Carbohydrates are essential for energy, and this bread provides 23 grams per serving, ensuring you have the fuel you need to power through your day. These aren’t empty carbs either; thanks to the zucchini and ground almonds, they come with a good dose of fibre, which aids in digestion and keeps your gut health in check.
The 10 grams of protein per serving are impressive for a bread, considering that most sweet breads are not known for their protein content. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, and it also helps in making enzymes and hormones. Almonds and eggs contribute to this high protein content, making our bread a great option for those who are looking to maintain or increase muscle mass, or simply keep their metabolism humming.
Now, let’s not forget the cacoa powder, which is far more than a flavour enhancer. It’s rich in antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which are known to help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. The dark, rich flavour of cacoa is also a mood booster, and it satisfies chocolate cravings in a much healthier way than reaching for a bar of processed chocolate.
This bread is not just a treat; it’s a smart choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. It’s meal prep friendly (MP), meaning you can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s vegetarian (V), so it fits into plant-based dietary choices while also containing nuts (N), which adds to its nutritional value.
In summary, this Chocolate Almond and Zucchini Bread is a testament to how delicious and nutritious can go hand-in-hand. With every bite, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body with essential nutrients. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that’s sure to become a staple in your baking arsenal.
This Chocolate Almond and Zucchini Bread is a culinary masterpiece that challenges the age-old contrast between indulgent taste and healthful benefits. The wholesome ingredients list reads like a who’s who of nutrient-dense superstars. Zucchini, the star of the show, is the moisture maestro, ensuring every slice is as soft as it is tasty while sneaking in vitamins and minerals. Almonds bring their heart-healthy fats to the table, along with a protein punch that transforms this bread from a simple snack into a satisfying, muscle-friendly option. The cacoa powder not only deepens the chocolatey indulgence but also comes loaded with antioxidants, which support your body’s fight against oxidative stress.
But it’s not just what’s in this bread that makes it special; it’s also about what’s not. Free from the excessive sugars and artificial ingredients that weigh down many baked goods, it stands as a testament to the beauty of baking with real, unrefined foods. This is the kind of recipe that could quickly become a family favourite.
So, when you’re standing in your kitchen, oven preheating, ingredients at the ready, know that you’re about to do more than just bake. You’re about to create a loaf that nourishes, satisfies, and loves you back with every wholesome bite. It’s a call to action for all home bakers — why settle for less when you can have the best of both worlds? Let’s get baking and make a loaf that truly embodies the harmony of health and happiness.
