Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8x4 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the zucchini, olive oil, pure maple syrup, eggs, milk, vanilla extract and optional orange zest until smooth and well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Fold in toasted nuts and/or chocolate chips, if desired.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, if using, and bake for 50-60 minutes until tester comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Cut into 10 to 12 slices.
