Chocolate Zucchini Waffles: Healthy & Delicious Recipe!

I’ll never forget the summer my garden exploded with zucchini. I was desperately searching for creative ways to use it all, beyond the usual zucchini bread. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of adding it to waffles, and after a few tweaks, these Chocolate Zucchini Waffles were born! They are now a family favorite, and the best part is, the kids devour them without even realizing they’re eating vegetables. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most delicious and surprisingly healthy Chocolate Zucchini Waffles you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Zucchini Waffles

Let’s be honest, sometimes getting those extra veggies into our diets can feel like a chore. But these waffles? They’re a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Sneaky Veggies: The zucchini melts right into the batter, adding moisture and nutrients without anyone suspecting a thing. It’s the ultimate healthy hack!
• Chocolatey Goodness: Who can resist chocolate? The cocoa powder adds a rich, decadent flavor that perfectly complements the zucchini.
• Perfectly Crispy & Fluffy: These waffles have the ideal texture – crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love these waffles! The chocolate flavor masks the zucchini, making it a win-win for parents.

The Secret Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Zucchini Waffles

While the recipe is easy, a few key ingredients and techniques will take your waffles from good to AMAZING. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the waffle batter. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds that rich chocolate flavor we all crave. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crispy exterior.
• Baking Powder: The key to light and fluffy waffles! Make sure yours is fresh for optimal rising power.
• Baking Soda: Helps with leavening and also reacts with the buttermilk (if using) to create extra fluffiness.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Milk (or Buttermilk): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. Buttermilk will give you even more tang and fluffiness.
• Melted Butter (or Oil): Adds richness and flavor. Melted butter will give you a slightly richer flavor than oil.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
• Shredded Zucchini: The star of the show! Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture after shredding.
• Chocolate Chips (Optional): Because who doesn’t love extra chocolate?

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Chocolate Zucchini Waffles

Ready to get started? Follow these easy steps for waffle perfection!

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Shred the zucchini using a box grater. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This is crucial to prevent soggy waffles!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay.
5. Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the squeezed zucchini and chocolate chips (if using).
6. Preheat Your Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that will tell you when it’s ready.
7. Grease the Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter. This will prevent the waffles from sticking.
8. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, using the amount recommended by your waffle iron’s instructions. Be careful not to overfill!
9. Cook the Waffles: Cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-5 minutes, depending on your waffle iron. The indicator light should turn on when they are done.
10. Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the waffles from the waffle iron and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Success Tips for Perfect Chocolate Zucchini Waffles

Want to guarantee waffle success? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Skip Squeezing the Zucchini: This is the most important step! Excess moisture will result in soggy waffles. Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze!
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough waffles. Mix until just combined, leaving a few lumps.
• Use Fresh Baking Powder: Baking powder loses its potency over time. Make sure yours is fresh for optimal leavening.
• Preheat Your Waffle Iron Properly: A hot waffle iron is essential for crispy waffles. Be patient and wait for it to fully preheat.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, peanut butter, or even a scoop of ice cream.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your Chocolate Zucchini Waffles? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in place of the milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Spiced Waffles: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nutty Waffles: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chunk Waffles: Substitute chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate chunks for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Zucchini Waffles are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with toppings! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: A classic combination that’s always a hit.
• Chocolate Syrup and Peanut Butter: A decadent treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
• Maple Syrup and Butter: A simple and satisfying option.
• Greek Yogurt and Honey: A healthy and delicious way to start your day.
• Ice Cream and Sprinkles: A fun and festive option for kids (and adults!).

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

These waffles are perfect for making ahead of time! Here’s how:

Make-Ahead:

You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the waffles, give the batter a gentle stir.

Freezing:

1. Let the waffles cool completely.
2. Place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid.
4. Transfer the frozen waffles to a freezer bag or airtight container.
5. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

You can reheat frozen waffles in a toaster, oven, or microwave.

• Toaster: Toast the waffles until they are heated through and crispy.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the waffles on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Microwave the waffles for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be aware that microwaving may make the waffles a bit soggy.

Enjoy Your Delicious and Healthy Waffles!

These Chocolate Zucchini Waffles are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day, sneak in some extra veggies, or enjoy a weekend brunch treat. I hope you and your family love them as much as we do! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature waffle creation. Happy waffle-making!

Lady Maria

Chocolate Zucchini Waffles

These crispy, fluffy Chocolate Zucchini Waffles are a healthy and indulgent way to sneak veggies into breakfast — rich cocoa flavor, melty chocolate chips, and zero sogginess!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 waffles

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 240

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1.25 cups milk or buttermilk
• 4 tbsp melted butter or oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry
• 0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• as needed cooking spray or butter for greasing waffle iron

Equipment

• waffle iron
• Mixing bowls
• whisk
• cheesecloth or clean towel
• grater

Method

 

1. Shred the zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a towel or cheesecloth.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk or buttermilk, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the squeezed zucchini and chocolate chips (if using).
6. Preheat waffle iron and grease with spray or melted butter.
7. Pour batter into hot waffle iron and cook 3–5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
8. Carefully remove and serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

Be sure to squeeze your zucchini well to avoid soggy waffles. Use buttermilk for added tang and fluffiness. Add toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or syrup to make it even more special!