Zucchini Bars with Chocolate Chips

If you’re looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth and sneak in some extra veggies, look no further than these Zucchini Bars with Chocolate Chips. They’re soft, chewy, filled with melty chocolate chunks, and just happen to be loaded with freshly grated zucchini. Don’t worry—no one will taste the veggies, but everyone will love the rich, moist texture they create.

Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, meal prep, or coffee breaks, these bars are a crowd-pleasing classic with a wholesome twist.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bars

• ✅ Chewy, soft texture from fresh zucchini

• 🍫 Chocolate in every bite (mini or full-size chips!)

• 🧁 One-bowl, no-fuss recipe

• 🥒 Vegetable-packed and kid-approved

• 🌱 Clean ingredients with no alcohol, pork, or bacon

• 🍪 Great for make-ahead snacks or dessert trays

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🛒 Ingredients

You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup melted coconut oil (or light olive oil)

• ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup finely grated zucchini (squeeze out extra water)

Mix-Ins:

• ¾ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)

• Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Zucchini Bars with Chocolate Chips

🥄 Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with oil.

🧽 Step 2: Grate & Drain Zucchini

Grate your zucchini using the fine side of a grater. Wrap it in a clean towel and squeeze out the excess moisture—this keeps your bars from becoming soggy.

🥣 Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Whisk together the egg, oil, brown sugar, honey/maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Stir in the zucchini.

3. Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts.

🔥 Step 4: Bake

• Spread the batter evenly into the pan.

• Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

• Cool completely in the pan before slicing.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These bars are:

• Great warm with melty chocolate centers

• Tasty chilled and firm from the fridge

• Delicious served with a cold glass of plant-based milk or hot herbal tea

• Excellent additions to lunchboxes or snack platters

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❄️ Storage & Freezing

Short-Term:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Freeze:

• Wrap individual bars in parchment and place in a zip-top freezer bag.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

• To serve: thaw overnight in the fridge or heat in the microwave for 20 seconds.

🧠 Tips & Variations

Make It Gluten-Free:

Use a certified 1:1 gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose. Almond flour is not recommended in this version as it changes the texture significantly.

Make It Vegan:

• Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins).

• Use maple syrup instead of honey.

• Choose dairy-free chocolate chips.

Lower Sugar Option:

• Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar.

• Cut chocolate chips to ½ cup and add 2 tbsp chopped dates.

Add More Nutrition:

• Stir in 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flax.

• Use half whole wheat flour for more fiber.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No. The skin is soft, nutrient-rich, and blends seamlessly into the batter.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained. Frozen zucchini holds more water, so squeeze it very well.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes—just test with a toothpick.

Are these bars sweet like dessert or mild like breakfast?

They’re lightly sweet—just enough to satisfy a dessert craving, but not overly sugary. Great for both snack and dessert.

Can I make these nut-free?

Absolutely. Skip the optional nuts and make sure your chocolate chips are processed in a nut-free facility if needed.

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✨ Final Thoughts

These Zucchini Bars with Chocolate Chips are proof that veggies and indulgence can coexist in one delicious square. With gooey chocolate, soft texture, and wholesome ingredients, they’re a treat you’ll feel good about sharing with everyone—from toddlers to grandparents.

Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, these bars are the perfect answer to those times when you want something sweet, comforting, and just a little bit nourishing. Bake them once, and they’ll be a regular in your recipe rotation.