Get ready to fall in love with Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars—a delightful treat that sneaks in a little veggie goodness while delivering all the chocolatey decadence you crave! These bars are irresistibly moist thanks to fresh zucchini, studded with melty chocolate chips, and kissed with a hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert, an after-school snack, or a crowd-friendly bake sale hit, this recipe is packed with both flavor and homemade comfort.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup of ingredients for Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars is wonderfully simple, but each one truly matters. From the zucchini’s natural moisture to the cozy aroma of cinnamon and the melty chocolate chips, every element adds its own magic!

Zucchini: Grated and lightly squeezed, it makes the bars extra tender and sneaks in nutrients without anyone noticing.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure and keeps the texture light—don’t forget to level your measuring cup for accuracy.
Baking soda & baking powder: This dynamic duo ensures your bars rise just the right amount for a cakey bite that isn’t dry.
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and depth that perfectly complements the chocolate and zucchini.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and ties all the flavors together.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends effortlessly for a rich taste and tender crumb.
Brown sugar: Brings a lovely molasses note and helps the bars stay chewy.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and encourages a soft, golden crumb.
Large egg: Binds everything together while keeping the bars moist.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Chocolatey pockets in every bite—feel free to swap in dark chocolate or even add a handful of nuts if you like.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the edges for easy removal later. If you’re a corner-piece lover, you’ll especially appreciate how parchment helps lift out the whole batch without sticking.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Giving these a quick mix now helps distribute everything evenly, ensuring every bite of your bars bakes up just right—with gentle lift and that faint spice throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Using an electric mixer at medium speed really helps dissolve the sugars and creates that signature soft crumb. Don’t rush—this step sets the foundation for your Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined. You’ll notice the batter becomes pale and creamy, and the vanilla’s aroma will already have you excited for what’s to come.

Step 5: Fold in the Zucchini

Now, gently fold in your grated zucchini. Be sure you’ve squeezed out some, but not all, of the moisture—the trick is letting the zucchini keep the bars soft and lush without making the batter runny. You’ll love how the zucchini blends right in, nearly invisible but totally essential!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the whisked dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture gradually, stirring just until incorporated. Over-mixing is the enemy of tender bars, so stop as soon as the flour disappears. You’re looking for a thick, fluffy batter flecked with green.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful if you want to sprinkle them on top for that bakery-style finish. Each fold brings chocolatey promise to every future square of your Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars!

Step 8: Spread and Bake

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly into the corners. Top with your reserved chocolate chips if you saved some. Bake for 28–32 minutes. When a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), you know it’s done. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure neat, perfect bars.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

Garnishes

These bars are lovely on their own, but a finishing touch of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate makes them instantly party-ready. For an extra flourish, try a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate chips right after baking—welcome to flavor heaven.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a tall glass of cold milk, a cozy mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. The gentle sweetness of the bars means they play well with fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad, rounding out your treat beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars into bite-size squares for brunch buffets, or stack them high on a cake stand for a homey, inviting centerpiece. For a lunchbox surprise, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine—instant smiles guaranteed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. A layer of parchment between bars helps keep them from sticking together, and the flavors only get better as they settle in.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—ideal for popping into lunchboxes or those moments when a sweet craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, simply pop a bar (or two) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips will get melty and the texture stays moist and tender. For crispier edges, reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! You can swap half or even all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor and added fiber. Just keep in mind that the bars might be a little denser but still delicious.

What’s the best way to grate zucchini?

For the best texture in Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars, use the medium holes on a box grater. If your zucchini seems overly watery, give it a gentle squeeze with a towel—no need to overdo it!

Can I make these dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The bars will still turn out wonderfully tender and full of flavor.

Do I need to peel the zucchini first?

No peeling necessary! The skin is thin, tender, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it adds lovely green flecks to your bars—and you can barely taste it once the bars are baked.

Can I add other mix-ins?

You bet! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut are fantastic in Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars. Just don’t add too much—about half a cup is plenty for extra crunch or flair.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that’s just the right mix of decadent and wholesome, you absolutely have to try these Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars. They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake but special enough for sharing with friends or family. Give them a go, and I bet you’ll have a new favorite bar recipe in your collection!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these irresistible Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars that perfectly blend the sweetness of chocolate with the goodness of zucchini. A delightful treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Grated Zucchini:

1 1/2 cups (moisture lightly squeezed out)

All-Purpose Flour:

1 cup

Baking Soda:

1/2 teaspoon

Baking Powder:

1/2 teaspoon

Cinnamon:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt:

1/4 teaspoon

Unsalted Butter:

1/2 cup (softened)

Brown Sugar:

1/2 cup

Granulated Sugar:

1/4 cup

Large Egg:

Vanilla Extract:

1 teaspoon

Semisweet Chocolate Chips:

1 cup

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Blend Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Combine Batter: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

Don’t over-squeeze the zucchini—some moisture helps keep the bars tender.
You can add chopped nuts for extra texture or substitute with dark chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American