Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread (Print Version)

Extra moist chocolate loaf filled with zucchini, naturally sweetened, and includes a gluten-free option.

# Ingredients:

01 - 113g bittersweet chocolate (70% cocoa), melted
02 - 160ml pure maple syrup
03 - 120ml natural almond butter or peanut butter, unsweetened and well-stirred
04 - 5ml pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
06 - 200g lightly packed grated zucchini, squeezed to drain excess liquid
07 - 142g all-purpose flour (or 107g oat flour for gluten-free option)
08 - 75g fine almond flour
09 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
10 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
11 - ¼ teaspoon salt
12 - 113g dark chocolate chips, plus extra for topping

# Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line an 8.5x4.5-inch or 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. For a taller loaf, use the smaller pan size.
02 - Place melted chocolate into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in maple syrup, almond butter or peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each. Mix in grated zucchini.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together to blend well without lumps. Add the dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring gently until no dry spots remain. Fold in chocolate chips.
04 - Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Scatter extra chocolate chips on top.
05 - Bake for 40-50 minutes until the surface feels firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without wet batter. For a 9x5-inch loaf, check after 40 minutes. For an 8.5x4.5-inch loaf, baking time will be closer to 50 minutes. Baking with oat flour may also extend the baking time.
06 - Allow the bread to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Slice and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with 107g oat flour.
02 - Ensure grated zucchini is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
03 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.