Garden Veggie Bread
A moist, flavorful vegetable bread infused with warm spices and sweeteners, perfect for breakfast, snack, or brunch; combines zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes for a nutritious treat.
Ingredients
- 2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. apple pie spice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
- 1/4 c. margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. canola cooking oil
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 1 c. grated zucchini ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated carrots ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8 x 4 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, apple pie spice, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream together light brown sugar, granulated sugar, margarine, and canola oil until smooth.
- Stir in beaten eggs and vanilla into the creamed mixture.
- Add grated zucchini, grated carrots, and chopped tomatoes alternately with the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Fill the prepared loaf pans two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread stand in pans for 1 hour before removing.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you want a spicier kick, add a dash of cinnamon or ginger. Ensure your zucchini is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter. This recipe can also be adapted using other vegetables like shredded squash or even finely chopped spinach for a twist. If you're a fan of unique flavors, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Garden Veggie Bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of cream cheese or butter. This bread pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, such as a light Quilting Party Salad, or can be enjoyed alongside a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal. It also makes a delightful addition to brunch spreads, complementing both sweet and savory dishes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic, then placed in a zip-top bag, for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or toast it until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Veggie Bread contains roughly 145 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 842mg per serving (37% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour, but it may make the bread denser. To ensure a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. Additionally, you may need to increase the liquid slightly to accommodate the absorbency of whole wheat flour.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This will act as a binding agent similar to eggs in the batter.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or ginger for a warm note. You can also mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. A splash of citrus juice or zest, such as lemon or orange, can brighten the overall taste of the bread.
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).