Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Once time has elapsed, gently squeeze the zucchini to remove additional liquid, ensuring the bread doesn’t become too soggy.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until they are thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mix the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking together until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can result in a denser bread.
Gently fold in the prepared grated zucchini, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using), ensuring everything is evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an elegant touch, slice the bread and serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar. Consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience!