"Grate" Zucchini Bread(Low-Fat)
A moist, low-fat zucchini bread infused with warm spices and nuts, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The grated zucchini adds moisture and subtle flavor, making it suitable for health-conscious eaters and those seeking a delicious way to enjoy vegetables in baked goods.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup unbleached white flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1 whole egg ⓘ
- 3/8 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups finely grated unpeeled zucchini ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the egg white, whole egg, vegetable oil, grated zucchini, and vanilla.
- Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter. You can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for an even lower fat option. If you prefer a sweeter bread, consider increasing the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to include spices like ginger or cardamom.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this low-fat zucchini bread warm or at room temperature, sliced thick and spread with a light layer of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For a heartier breakfast, enjoy it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. You can also serve it as a sweet snack with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the zucchini bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in slices, wrapped well, for up to three months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Grate" Zucchini Bread(Low-Fat) contains roughly 462 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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 other types of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this zucchini bread gluten-free. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Other flours, like almond or oat flour, can also provide unique flavors, but may require adjustments in moisture and baking time.
What can I substitute for sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as a substitute for sugar, but remember to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly. Alternatively, stevia or erythritol can provide a lower-calorie option, but check their conversion rates for proper sweetness.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The zucchini bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked. Keep an eye on it in the last 10 minutes of baking.
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).