Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

Save this recipe on:

Moist, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey, these Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars are the kind of dessert that will have you checking your garden for more zucchini just to make another batch. They strike the perfect balance between indulgence and sneakily healthy, making them ideal for everything from after-school snacks to casual potlucks. Each bite is a blend of soft, cake-like texture with gooey chocolate chips and just a hint of warm vanilla.

The best part? You don’t need to tell anyone there’s zucchini in these bars if you don’t want to—they’ll be too busy reaching for seconds. They’re a great way to use up fresh summer zucchini, and they store beautifully, too. Whether you’re baking for picky kids or health-conscious guests, this is one treat that checks all the boxes.

---

What Kind of Zucchini Should I Use for Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars?

Any fresh zucchini will work here, but medium-sized ones with tender skin and fewer seeds are ideal. You don’t need to peel them—the green flecks actually add a lovely texture and pop of color. Just be sure to squeeze out some of the moisture after grating to keep the bars from becoming too wet.

---

Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. Be sure to lightly squeeze out the excess water.

All-purpose flour: Creates the structure of the bars while still keeping them tender.

Brown sugar & granulated sugar: A combination of both adds depth, caramel notes, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist without overpowering other flavors.

Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding richness.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a touch of warmth.

Baking powder & baking soda: These give the bars their soft rise and light crumb.

Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness.

Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm spice note that complements the chocolate.

Chocolate chips: The star of the show. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for melty pockets of joy in every bite.

---

How To Make the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Lightly squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towels. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in the Zucchini and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the grated zucchini, followed by the chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

---

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly warm. You can enjoy them plain or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a sweet finish.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope! The peel is tender and adds a nice color. Just give the zucchini a quick wash before grating.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

You can, but make sure it’s fully thawed and very well-drained. Frozen zucchini tends to hold a lot more moisture.

What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet is a safe bet, but dark chocolate adds a richer flavor. You can also try mini chips or chocolate chunks!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Why are my bars too moist?

It’s likely from excess water in the zucchini. Be sure to gently squeeze the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch. Stir them in with the chocolate chips.

---

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you enjoyed these Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars, you might love diving into some of these other sweet and unique treats from Life with Jam:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday favorite.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups bursting with tangy-sweet flavor.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you crave a rich, caramel twist.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby perfect for brunch or dessert.
• Winter Brittle loaded with seasonal crunch and sweetness.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in some walnuts or swap the chocolate chips for chunks? Maybe you added a dash of nutmeg?

I love seeing your creative spins on these recipes. Don’t forget to tag me and follow along on Pinterest for more easy dessert ideas: Life with Jam on Pinterest

---

Print

Save this recipe on: