Zucchini Fruit Bread
Zucchini Fruit Bread offers a moist, sweet loaf with the delightful addition of zucchini and raisins, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its rich flavor and tender crumb make it perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a comforting treat for anyone who loves moist, spiced baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine oil, sugar, and eggs until well blended.
- Stir in grated zucchini and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist bread, ensure the zucchini is well-drained before adding it to the batter. If you don't have walnuts, try using pecans or skipping nuts entirely for a nut-free version. You can also add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist or swap half of the oil for unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of orange zest.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve zucchini fruit bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a delightful breakfast or brunch, enjoy it alongside an Austrian Scramble or a fresh fruit salad. This bread also makes a great snack or dessert when served with a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini fruit bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Fruit Bread contains roughly 790 calories, with 7g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 813mg per serving (35% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen grated 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 texture in your bread, preventing it from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for sugar?
You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. However, if using liquid sweeteners, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right batter consistency. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The zucchini fruit bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Baking times may vary slightly, so checking around the 50-minute mark is advisable to prevent overbaking.
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).