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+ servings
Linda Cain

Zucchini Bread

When it comes to pairing, zucchini bread holds its own. Picture this: a warm slice, fresh out of the oven, topped with a smear of cream cheese. It’s a classic choice. Or, for those who enjoy a bit more sweetness, try it with a dollop of whipped butter or honey.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 205

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup light vegetable oil: This adds moisture and tenderness ensuring it’s perfectly soft.
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: For a rich inviting aroma.
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda: This ensures our loaf rises beautifully.
  • 1 ½ cups roughly chopped walnuts or pecans: For that delightful crunch.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: It introduces a warm spiced flavor.
  • 2 cups freshly grated zucchini: About two medium-sized zucchinis should do the trick.
  • 2 cups plain all-purpose flour: Be sure to sift for better texture.
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds extra warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
  • 3 large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for optimal mixing.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt: This enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
  • 1 ½ cups fine granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness beautifully.

Equipment

  • Bowl, Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
  1. First off, wash your zucchinis. You want to get rid of all soil and dirt. Once clean, it's time to grate them. You can use a box grater, or a food processor for speed. No need to peel—just grate right into a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
  1. While grating, you can let your oven start warming. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread gets the heat it craves the moment you pop it in.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Combining these first allows the leavening agents and spices to distribute evenly throughout the batter. No one wants a pocket of nutmeg!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until it’s well combined. It should look smooth and shiny. What you don’t want is clumps of sugar that refuse to dissolve.
Step 5: Incorporate Grated Zucchini
  1. Next, fold in the grated zucchini. It may seem like a hefty amount, but trust me, it all integrates beautifully. Gently mix until just combined.
Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients
  1. Now it’s time to combine the wet with the dry. Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet zucchini blend. Use a spatula or spoon to fold it in just until incorporated. Over-mixing will lead to dense bread, and we want it light and fluffy!
Step 7: Incorporate Nuts
  1. Finally, incorporate your chopped walnuts or pecans. Just fold them in gently. They’ll add that satisfying crunch we talked about.
Step 8: Pour into Loaf Pan
  1. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
Step 9: Bake
  1. Slide the loaf pan into the oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. Here’s a tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging, you’re in business!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
  1. Once done, remove the zucchini bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off—each slice is worth the wait!

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 8gFiber: 1g

Notes

Here are a few tips to help you nail this zucchini bread every time:
  • Use Fresh Zucchini: Whenever possible, opt for freshly grated zucchini. It provides the best moisture and flavor.
  • Adjust Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the sugar slightly.
  • Nut Substitutions: Not a fan of nuts? Leave them out or substitute with chocolate chips for a sweetness boost.
  • Testing for Doneness: Ovens can vary. Always check your bread about 5-10 minutes before the suggested time.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!