Do you ever find yourself with an abundance of zucchini and a craving for something rich and decadent? Well, let me introduce you to the magical world of Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread! Imae sinking your teeth into a slice of this moist, fluffy bread packed with the wholesome goodness of zucchini, yet indulgently swirled with velvety cream cheese and rich dark chocolate. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, and who wouldn’t want that?
Fun fact: Zucchini bread has been around since the late 19th century and gained popularity in the 1970s as a wonderful way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini. The special thing about this recipe is that it combines the health benefits of zucchini with the decadent taste of chocolate, making it a true delight for both kids and adults. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is easy to whip up, so gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
If you love the combination of sweet and savory, you might also enjoy our delightful Blueberry Oatmeal Bread on the blog. It’s another great option that showcases how versatile quick breads can be. So why not explore and find your new favorite!
What is Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread?
So, what exactly is this zesty dish called Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread? It sounds fancy, right? You might be wondering how all these elements come together. Well, when you mix shredded zucchini, velvety cream cheese, and dark chocolate, you get a deliciously moist bread with a rich flavor and a swirl that makes each bite a little piece of heaven!
Legend has it that sliced cake-like breads were orially created as a way to use up excess produce and make it a delicious surprise treat! They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and what better way to do that than with a slice of this mouthwatering chocolatey goodness! I invite you to roll up your sleeves and try this recipe for yourself—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread
There are so many reasons to love Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread! First off, the main highlight is undoubtedly the moist texture combined with the rich chocolate flavor—it’s a match made in baking heaven. Plus, making it at home is cost-effective, meaning you can indulge your sweet tooth without breaking the bank.
And let’s not forget the sensational cream cheese swirl that adds an incredible creaminess, making each bite super indulgent. You can even customize it with your toppings, like chopped nuts or extra chocolate chips, which adds a delightful crunch. If you’re a fan of pumpkin bread, this zucchini version will be a fresh twist you definitely want to try. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready for some baking fun!
How to Make Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Quick Overview
Making Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread is simple, enjoyable, and quick! This delightful treat will take about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 50-60 minutes of baking. The result is an incredibly moist bread that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert with coffee.
Key Ingredients for Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- 1½ cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Squeeze the Zucchini: Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini. This will ensure your bread doesn’t turn out too watery.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, fold in the shredded zucchini.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Layer the Mixtures: Pour half of the zucchini batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top, then add the rest of the batter, and finally, top with more cream cheese dollops. Use a knife to swirl the mixtures together.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Choose Fresh Zucchini: Using fresh, firm zucchini will yield the best results. Avoid any overripe zucchini as it may contain more moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined for the softest texture.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to make this recipe your own.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Keep your Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you anticipate it lasting longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. For optimal taste, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving, making them taste just like they came out of the oven!
There you have it—Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread that is both delicious and easy to make. So grab your ingredients and start blending for a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini) Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 0.33 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Using a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, fold in the shredded zucchini.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
Baking
- Pour half of the zucchini batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top, then add the rest of the batter, and finally, top with more cream cheese dollops. Use a knife to swirl the mixtures together.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
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