The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe

This Zucchini Bread Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with warm spices, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Its moist texture and rich flavor set it apart from other quick breads. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting slice at home, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious zucchini bread in no time.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of grated zucchini and spices creates a tender loaf bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, toasted with butter, or as part of a brunch spread.
• Great for Using Up Zucchini: If you have an abundance of fresh zucchini from your garden, this recipe is the perfect way to use it up.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake two loaves and share one with a friend or neighbor; it’s sure to be appreciated!

Tools and Preparation

To make this easy zucchini bread recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline your baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pans (8×4-inch)
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all wet ingredients smoothly before adding dry ingredients.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: These tools make it easy to achieve a creamy consistency when mixing ingredients together.
• Loaf Pans: Proper-sized loaf pans ensure even baking and help shape your zucchini bread beautifully.
• Wire Rack: Cooling your bread on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation around the loaf.

Ingredients

This moist and tender zucchini bread is lightly spiced with cinnamon and perfectly sweet. It’s easy to make, great for breakfast or a snack, and a wonderful way to use up fresh zucchini.

For the Batter

• 2¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

How to Make Zucchini Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) so it’s ready when you’re done mixing your batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking once baked.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Combine granulated sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the following dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
– all-purpose flour
– ground cinnamon
– salt
– baking soda
– baking powder

Stir just until the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated; avoid over-mixing.

Step 5: Fold in Zucchini

Gently fold in the grated zucchini. Ensure it’s fully combined into the batter without over-mixing.

Step 6: Divide & Fill Pans

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Fill each pan no more than two-thirds full for optimal rising.

Step 7: Bake

Place in your preheated oven. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to over-bake.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from the oven. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring loaves to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Store

After cooling completely, store in a Ziploc bag or airtight container to keep your delicious zucchini bread fresh for longer!

How to Serve Zucchini Bread Recipe

Serving your zucchini bread can elevate the experience, whether for breakfast or a delightful snack. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious loaf.

Toasted with Butter

• Toast a slice of zucchini bread and spread a thin layer of butter on top for a rich, comforting treat.

With Cream Cheese Spread

• Add a dollop of cream cheese spread for a creamy contrast that complements the sweetness of the bread.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing side that balances flavors.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey adds an extra touch of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon notes in the bread.

As a Sandwich Base

• Use slices as a unique sandwich base. Fill them with turkey or chicken and your favorite toppings for a tasty twist.

With Hot Beverage

• Enjoy your zucchini bread with a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of your drink enhances the cozy feel of homemade bread.

How to Perfect Zucchini Bread Recipe

Perfecting this zucchini bread recipe can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some great tips to ensure success.

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini results in better moisture levels and flavor. Avoid overripe zucchinis which can be watery.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bread tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. This prevents over-baking and maintains moisture.
• Cool Completely: Allow the loaves to cool fully before slicing to prevent sogginess and maintain structure.
• Store Properly: For freshness, store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag once cooled. This helps preserve moisture.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture variations.

Best Side Dishes for Zucchini Bread Recipe

Pairing side dishes can enhance your meal when enjoying zucchini bread. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Fresh Salad
   A light garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bread.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious pairing that complements breakfast servings beautifully.
3. Fruit Smoothie
   Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt or plant-based milk for a refreshing drink that goes well with slices of zucchini bread.
4. Cheese Platter
   Offer an assortment of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese for savory bites that contrast nicely with sweet slices.
5. Veggie Sticks and Hummus
   Crunchy vegetables paired with hummus provide healthy snacking options while enhancing the overall meal experience.
6. Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
   The sweetness from baked fries provides an interesting contrast to the flavors in zucchini bread, making it a fun side dish.
7. Cottage Cheese Bowl
   A bowl of cottage cheese topped with fruits or nuts is high in protein and makes for a satisfying side option alongside zucchini bread.
8. Savory Quiche
   A slice of quiche made with seasonal vegetables offers protein and pairs well as part of brunch alongside your delicious zucchini bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking zucchini bread can be a delight, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your loaves turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using too much flour: Over-measuring flour can lead to dense bread. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Not squeezing out excess moisture: Zucchini contains a lot of water. Squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the batter to prevent sogginess.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in tough bread. Stir until just combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your pans can lead to sticking. Always grease your loaf pans well to ensure easy removal.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on baking time can be risky. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check if it’s done; it should come out clean.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
• It will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Zucchini Bread Recipe

• Place cooled loaves in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Zucchini Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, depending on wattage.
• Stovetop: Heat slices on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Zucchini Bread Recipe:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly and make it denser.

How do I make Zucchini Bread Recipe vegan?

You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the bread moist while making it vegan-friendly.

What if I don’t have cinnamon?

You can use nutmeg or pumpkin spice as an alternative for flavoring your zucchini bread.

How do I know when my zucchini bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Otherwise, continue baking and check every few minutes.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Zucchini Bread is not only moist and delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with nuts, fruits, or spices according to your preferences. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this zucchini bread is sure to please everyone. Give it a try and savor each slice!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe, a delightful quick bread that perfectly marries the natural sweetness of zucchini with warm cinnamon spice. This moist and tender loaf is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Bite into its rich flavor and enjoy it fresh out of the oven, toasted with butter, or even as a unique sandwich base. Ideal for utilizing surplus zucchini from your garden, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the grated zucchini until evenly distributed.
5. Divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans, filling each no more than two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg