Indulge in a guilt-free treat with this Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread. This recipe combines the health benefits of zucchini with the delightful taste of chocolate. The use of apple sauce as a substitute for oil or butter significantly reduces the fat content, making it a perfect choice for those watching their diet.
The ingredient that might not be familiar to everyone is white whole wheat flour. It's a type of whole wheat flour that is lighter in color and tastes slightly sweeter. You can find it in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Using apple sauce is another unique aspect of this recipe. It's a great substitute for butter, reducing the fat content of the bread.
Ingredients for Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
all purpose flour: A common baking staple that provides structure to our bread.
white whole wheat flour: A healthier alternative to all-purpose flour, adding fiber to the bread.
brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
vanilla: Gives the bread a rich, complex flavor.
salt: Enhances the other flavors in the bread.
chocolate chips: Provides sweet, chocolatey bursts in every bite.
egg: Binds the ingredients together and aids in leavening.
butter: Adds richness and flavor. It's used in a very limited quantity in this recipe.
apple sauce: Replaces the majority of the fat in the recipe, keeping the bread moist without adding unnecessary calories.
zucchini: Adds moisture and nutrients to the bread, and you won't even taste it!
One reader, Jackie Peacock says:
This low-fat chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is a game-changer! It's moist, flavorful, and guilt-free. The combination of zucchini and chocolate chips is divine. Plus, it's easy to make and a hit with my family. I love that it's a healthier option without sacrificing taste. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
How to prepare the loaf pan: Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How to combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
How to add chocolate chips: Add the chocolate chips to the dry ingredients and gently mix to combine.
How to mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the egg, vanilla, melted butter, apple sauce, and zucchini until well combined.
How to incorporate wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just blended.
How to pour batter into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9x5-inch loaf pan.
How to bake: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How to cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely.
How to serve: Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Create perfectly moist bread anytime with this tasty low fat zucchini bread, packed with chocolate chips, for a sweeter guilty-free treat!
Serves:
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 1cupall purpose flour
- 1cupwhite whole wheat flour,or regular whole wheat flour
- ½cupbrown sugar,not packed
- 1⅛tspbaking soda
- 1tspvanilla
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupchocolate chips
- 1large egg,beaten
- 2tbspbutter,melted
- 1cupapple sauce
- 1½cupszucchini,shredded, not packed
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
-
Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
-
Add the chocolate chips, then gently mix to combine.
-
In a medium bowl, mix the egg, vanilla, melted butter, apple sauce and zucchini. Add to the flour mixture, then stir until just blended.
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Pour batter into the prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for about 10 minutes.
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Remove loaf from pan and let it cool. Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 139.03kcal
- Fat: 4.32g
- Saturated Fat: 2.12g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.43g
- Carbohydrates: 22.90g
- Fiber: 1.49g
- Sugar: 10.59g
- Protein: 2.71g
- Cholesterol: 16.49mg
- Sodium: 139.56mg
- Calcium: 20.30mg
- Potassium: 88.37mg
- Iron: 0.88mg
- Vitamin A: 18.46µg
- Vitamin C: 5.36mg
Essential Technique Tip for Making the Perfect Zucchini Bread
When grating the zucchini, there's no need to peel it first. The skin is thin and adds extra fiber to the bread. Also, make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter. This will prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Zucchini Bread Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One bowl: Use one bowl for mixing dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients to minimize cleanup.
Organized workspace: Keep your workspace organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for tools and ingredients.
Efficient multitasking: While something is baking, use that time to clean up and prepare for the next step.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and having to start over, saving time in the long run.
Substitute Ingredients For Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat pastry flour: Whole wheat pastry flour is a finer, lighter flour that can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour in baking recipes. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the bread.
white whole wheat flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is a nutritious gluten-free alternative that adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor to the bread while increasing its fiber content.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than brown sugar, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in this recipe, but it may affect the texture and rise of the bread. Use 3 times the amount of baking powder as baking soda.
butter - Substitute with unsweetened applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can replace butter to reduce the fat content while adding moisture to the bread. It also adds a hint of natural sweetness.
chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs are a healthier alternative to chocolate chips, providing a rich, chocolatey flavor without the added sugar and fat. They also offer additional antioxidants and nutrients.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in this recipe. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
zucchini - Substitute with shredded carrots: Shredded carrots can be used as a substitute for zucchini, adding natural sweetness and moisture to the bread while providing additional nutrients and vibrant color.
Best Way to Present This Zucchini Bread Recipe
Elevate the plating: When presenting the low-fat chocolate chip zucchini bread, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use a clean, white plate to allow the colors of the bread and chocolate chips to stand out. Arrange the slices of bread in a visually appealing manner, perhaps overlapping them slightly for a more dynamic presentation.
Garnish with fresh elements: Add a touch of freshness to the plate by garnishing with thinly sliced zucchini ribbons or delicate mint leaves. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzles: Create an artistic touch by drizzling a light chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar on the plate. This adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the overall presentation.
Utilize edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers as a garnish. Delicate petals can add a beautiful, natural element to the presentation, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Consider the use of chocolate shards: Introduce a modern and artistic element by incorporating delicate chocolate shards on the plate. These shards can add texture and visual interest, elevating the overall presentation of the zucchini bread.
Create a contrast with a dollop of whipped cream: For a touch of indulgence, consider adding a small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to the plate. The contrast of the white cream against the rich chocolate chips and zucchini bread creates a visually striking presentation.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Zucchini Bread
Let the zucchini bread cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent moisture from building up and making the bread soggy.
To store the bread at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the wrapped bread for up to 1 week. This will help maintain its moisture and freshness.
If you want to freeze the zucchini bread, follow these steps:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bread, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
For best results, slice the bread before freezing. This way, you can easily remove and thaw individual slices as needed.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the zucchini bread once it has been thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Zucchini Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover zucchini bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help restore the bread's crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Slice the leftover zucchini bread into individual portions and place them on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is warm.
If you prefer a softer texture, microwave the leftover zucchini bread. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 15-20 seconds. If the bread is not heated to your liking, microwave it in 10-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread tough and rubbery.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover zucchini bread into French toast. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces, dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then cook them on a buttered skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful breakfast treat.
If you have a large amount of leftover zucchini bread, consider freezing it for later. Slice the bread into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature, or use one of the reheating methods mentioned above.
Random Fact About Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet, and it pairs perfectly with the sweetness of chocolate chips.
Is Making Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Economical for Home Cooking?
This low fat chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients such as zucchini, whole wheat flour, and applesauce makes it budget-friendly. The addition of chocolate chips and butter may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense is reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10. The recipe offers a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional bread, earning a solid 8/10 rating for its taste, nutritional value, and affordability.
Is This Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This low-fat chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. Let's break it down:
Positives:
- Whole wheat flour is used, providing more fiber and nutrients than regular all-purpose flour
- Zucchini adds moisture, fiber, and vitamins to the bread
- Applesauce is used as a substitute for some of the butter, reducing the overall fat content
Negatives:
- The recipe still contains butter and chocolate chips, which are sources of saturated fat and added sugar
- Brown sugar is used, adding more calories and simple carbohydrates to the recipe
- The sodium content may be higher than desired due to the added salt and baking soda
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the all-purpose flour entirely with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond or coconut flour
- Swap the brown sugar for a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or date paste, or reduce the amount of sugar used
- Use dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content (70% or more) and reduce the quantity to 1/4 cup
- Replace the butter with more applesauce or a healthy oil like coconut or avocado oil
- Add in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for healthy fats and extra protein
- Experiment with adding other grated vegetables like carrots or beets for added nutrition and natural sweetness
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Zucchini Bread Recipe
This low-fat chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe is a delightful and healthier twist on a classic treat. The combination of zucchini and applesauce adds moisture and texture, while the use of whole wheat flour and minimal butter reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor. The addition of chocolate chips provides a sweet surprise in every bite. This recipe is a wonderful way to sneak in some extra veggies and indulge in a guilt-free treat. It's perfect for a wholesome breakfast or a satisfying snack.
Enhance Your Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Zucchini Bread
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement This Zucchini Bread Recipe
Why trust this Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional zucchini bread, incorporating chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence. The use of white whole wheat flour and apple sauce reduces the fat content without compromising on flavor. The addition of zucchini not only adds moisture but also sneaks in some extra nutrients. With a careful balance of ingredients and a thorough review by our culinary experts, this recipe promises a delicious and guilt-free treat for all to enjoy.
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