Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread that features the subtle sweetness of grated zucchini, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it suits anyone looking for a delicious way to incorporate vegetables into their diet, and can be customized with nuts or raisins.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the eggs, oil, vanilla, sugar, and grated zucchini in a bowl and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, salt, soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures until blended.
- Add optional raisins and chopped pecans if desired.
- Pour the batter into greased and floured loaf pans.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister zucchini bread, consider substituting half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use whole wheat flour for added nutrition or swap sugar for a sugar substitute to reduce calories. If you like extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using walnuts instead of pecans. Grated carrots can also be mixed in for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini bread is delightful on its own or served with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a creative twist, try serving it with a dollop of cream cheese or yogurt on top. It can also be enjoyed alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a slice of Easy 'Apple Festival' Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover zucchini bread, wrap it 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 or refrigerated for a week. For longer storage, freeze slices in a resealable bag for up to three months. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Bread contains roughly 3484 calories, with 37g protein, 417g carbohydrates, and 189g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (137% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the right consistency in your zucchini bread.
Why is my zucchini bread too dense?
A dense zucchini bread can result from overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. Measure your flour accurately and mix just until combined to ensure a lighter texture. Also, check that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh to ensure proper leavening.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free zucchini bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn't contain it, as this helps provide structure. The results will still be delicious!
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).