Zucchini Fruit Loaves
Zucchini Fruit Loaves offer a moist, flavorful bread infused with the sweetness of canned fruit and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, these loaves combine fresh zucchini with nuts and raisins for a hearty, wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla together until thick and foamy.
- Add grated zucchini and drained canned fruit; stir to combine.
- Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts and raisins.
- Pour batter into greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from pans and slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Ensure the canned fruit is well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor; feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or ginger for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These loaves are delightful served warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a side of Pineapple Jello Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as a snack. For an indulgent treat, spread a little cream cheese frosting on top or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini fruit loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through, preserving the moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Fruit Loaves contains roughly 1229 calories, with 11g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1389mg per serving (60% 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 fresh zucchini instead of grated zucchini?
Yes, fresh zucchini is perfect for this recipe! Just make sure to grate it finely and squeeze out any excess moisture with a paper towel before adding it to the batter. This helps maintain the right texture in your loaves.
What type of canned fruit works best in this recipe?
You can use any canned fruit you enjoy, but peaches, pears, or even crushed pineapple are excellent choices. Just ensure the fruit is well-drained to avoid adding too much liquid to the batter, which can affect the baking process.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your loaves by adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins balanced with the original recipe to ensure the loaves bake evenly.
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).