Zucchini Bread(Yields 3 Loaves)
A moist, flavorful zucchini bread with warm spices, nuts, and raisins, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, spiced baked goods.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups oil ⓘ
- 3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 cups grated zucchini, not peeled ⓘ
- 4 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 4 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 cups whole walnuts ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix eggs, oil, sugar, grated zucchini, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture and blend until smooth.
- Stir in walnuts and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into prepared loaves and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a sweeter bread, consider increasing the sugar slightly, or using brown sugar for a richer flavor. Adding a pinch of cardamom alongside nutmeg can elevate the spice profile. When grating zucchini, use a box grater for a finer texture that blends well into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by spreading a layer of cream cheese or butter on warm slices. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or serve it alongside a cup of coffee for breakfast. It also makes a great addition to brunch spreads, complementing dishes like Dilly Grilled Turkey.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slices in a toaster or microwave, ensuring they retain their moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Bread(Yields 3 Loaves) contains roughly 2972 calories, with 30g protein, 371g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (98% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and potassium (65% of the Daily Value). 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, frozen zucchini works well in this recipe. Just 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 and prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free zucchini bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour for better texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of my zucchini bread?
You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of cream cheese for a rich twist. For a nutty flavor, consider adding pecans or substituting walnuts with hazelnuts. Spices like allspice or ginger can also create a unique flavor profile that complements the zucchini.
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).