Zucchini Bread Recipe

Cozy Zucchini Bread Recipe: Golden Crust with Sweet Garden Charm

Summer’s bounty brings out the best in this delightful zucchini bread recipe that turns ordinary vegetables into a decadent treat.

Garden-fresh zucchini adds moisture and subtle sweetness to every slice.

Packed with warm spices and a tender crumb, this bread feels like a comforting hug from your kitchen.

The recipe balances rustic charm with irresistible flavor, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Perfectly spiced and wonderfully moist, each bite delivers a delicious blend of wholesome ingredients.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this simple yet impressive bread that transforms humble zucchini into a crowd-pleasing delight.

You’ll want to share every delectable slice with those closest to you.

Zucchini Bread Soft and Flavorful

  • Revamp Veggie Intake: Transform ordinary zucchini into a delightful, sweet bread that sneaks extra vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this simple recipe with basic pantry ingredients, making it a go-to solution for unexpected guests or sudden baking cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a moist, tender bread that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for sharing at potlucks, family gatherings, or afternoon snack times.
  • Versatile Breakfast Buddy: Enjoy this zucchini bread as a satisfying morning treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or even a dessert that feels like a wholesome indulgence.

Zucchini Bread Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key structural component that provides the base for the zucchini bread.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet spice that complements the zucchini.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the bread.
  • Oil: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Sugars: Contribute sweetness and help with the bread's soft texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
  • Vanilla: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Dried Fruit: Can be mixed into the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Steps for Making Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Grab a loaf pan (either 8×4 or 9×5 inches) and generously coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Craft Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate large bowl, combine:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Add:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients and Add Zucchini

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir until the batter becomes thick and uniform.

Grate fresh zucchini and fold into the batter, which will help loosen the mixture and add moisture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-65 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no raw batter clinging to it.

Let cool before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Bread

  • Pat shredded zucchini with paper towels to remove excess water, preventing soggy bread.
  • Adjust sugar levels by using half granulated and half brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
  • Swap half white flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and add nutty flavor.
  • Toss shredded zucchini in a bit of flour before mixing to stop it from settling at bottom of bread.
  • Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and nutty flavor boost.

Zucchini Bread Fun Flavor Variations

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Zucchini Bread: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use coconut oil instead of regular oil.
  • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread: Fold in dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs to add rich chocolate flavor to the classic recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Zucchini Bread: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, and reduce overall sweetener quantity for a healthier option.

Serving Ideas for Zucchini Bread

  • Breakfast Delight: Slice zucchini bread and serve warm with a dollop of creamy butter for a perfect morning treat.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a relaxing midday snack that satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with cream cheese glaze for an indulgent after-dinner dessert that wows guests.
  • Healthy Breakfast Option: Spread with almond butter and sprinkle with chia seeds for a nutritious and filling breakfast that provides sustained energy.

Storing Zucchini Bread Properly

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Slice bread completely, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months for convenient grab-and-go portions.
  • Keep bread covered at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container to preserve moisture and soft texture.
  • Remove frozen slices and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes or gently warm in a toaster for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Keep in mind this might make the bread slightly denser.

  • How do I prevent my zucchini bread from becoming too wet?

Make sure to gently squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps prevent a soggy texture and ensures a perfect bread consistency.

  • Is zucchini bread a healthy option?

Zucchini bread offers some nutritional benefits with vegetables and less fat compared to other sweet breads. It contains vitamins from zucchini and can be a good way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, though it’s still a sweet treat.

  • Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely!

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Zucchini Bread Recipe

Zucchini Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade zucchini bread combines garden-fresh flavors with comforting sweetness, creating a delightful treat that seamlessly blends moisture and warmth. Bakers can savor each tender slice packed with subtle spices and wholesome goodness, making it perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) shredded zucchini
  • 2 large eggs

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Spice Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan by lightly coating with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine all dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together oil and sugars until they form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
  4. Incorporate cinnamon, eggs, and vanilla extract into the oil and sugar mixture, blending until well integrated.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a thick batter forms.
  6. Carefully fold in grated zucchini, which will help to soften and loosen the batter’s consistency.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
  8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no wet batter.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread and ensure a perfect texture.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the bread’s delightful taste and soft crumb.
  • Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor complexity, creating a personalized twist on the classic zucchini bread recipe.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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