Excellent Zucchini Bread
This moist zucchini bread combines the natural sweetness of sugar with warm cinnamon and nutty nuts, enhanced by the mild flavor of zucchini. Perfect for breakfast or snacks, it appeals to both kids and adults seeking a wholesome, flavorful treat with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs for 2 minutes until light and foamy.
- Add sugar, vegetable oil, grated zucchini, and vanilla to the eggs and mix well.
- Turn the mixer to Stir speed and blend until well combined, about 1 minute.
- Add the dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, baking powder) to the wet mixture and stir for 1 minute.
- Fold in chopped nuts and raisins if using.
- Grease two loaf pans (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 inches).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of half the vegetable oil. You can also substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using a mixture of nuts in place of just one variety. This zucchini bread pairs beautifully with Vegetable-Cheese Soup for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by spreading a little cream cheese or butter on top. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful breakfast or snack. This treat is also fantastic as part of a brunch spread, paired with dishes like Cheese Crescents for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Zucchini Bread contains roughly 368 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1278mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this zucchini bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this zucchini bread gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
How can I tell when the zucchini bread is done baking?
The zucchini bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but no wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I add other ingredients to this zucchini bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your zucchini bread by adding other ingredients like chocolate chips, cranberries, or different nuts. You can also experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor twist. Just keep the ratios of wet and dry ingredients balanced.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).