Zucchini bread is a delightful treat that combines the healthy goodness of zucchini with the rich, comforting flavors of spices and nuts. This recipe is perfect for those who love a moist, easy-to-make bread that can be enjoyed any time of day. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to serve. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe and explore its appeal, tips, and serving suggestions.

Remember it later

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Ingredients Overview

For this zucchini bread recipe, you’ll need a variety of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and moist loaf. The ingredients include 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon each of baking soda, baking powder, and salt, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. You’ll also need 1 cup of white sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 3 eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil (or you can substitute with applesauce for half of it), 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 cups of grated zucchini (feel free to add more for extra moisture), and 1 cup of chopped walnuts.

When selecting your ingredients, choose fresh zucchini for the best results. Opt for finely grated zucchini to ensure it blends seamlessly into the batter. For a unique twist, consider substituting the walnuts with pecans or even adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans or six mini loaf pans to prevent sticking. This initial step ensures your bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pans.

Mixing dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices throughout the flour. This will help achieve a consistent flavor in every bite.

Whisking wet ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil (or applesauce), vanilla extract, and both the white and brown sugars. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, which will help the bread rise evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

Combining mixtures
Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense bread, so mix just until the ingredients are moistened.

Adding zucchini and nuts
Grate the zucchini using a box grater and add it, along with the chopped walnuts, to the batter. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the zucchini to release its moisture, enhancing the bread’s overall texture.

Baking process and times for different loaf sizes
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, filling them evenly. Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. Mini loaves typically require about 35-40 minutes, while larger loaves take approximately 55 minutes. Adjust the baking time as needed based on your oven’s performance.

Cooling and serving tips
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool completely. This cooling process helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice. Slice the bread, serve, and enjoy the deliciously moist zucchini bread!

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Tricks for ensuring a moist bread:
Use fresh, finely grated zucchini.
Let the batter rest before baking to allow the zucchini to release moisture.

Adjusting sweetness or spice levels:
Add more or less sugar to suit your taste.
Increase or decrease the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg based on your preference.

Using different types of nuts or add-ins:
Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips.
Consider adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates.

Tips for grating zucchini effectively:
Use a box grater for fine, even pieces.
Pat the grated zucchini dry if it’s too watery.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

How can I make this bread vegan?
Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Can I add other vegetables or fruits?
Yes, shredded carrots or apples can be added for extra flavor and moisture.

What to do if the bread is too dry or too wet?
If too dry, add a bit more grated zucchini or a splash of milk.
If too wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Zucchini bread pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. For a richer experience, spread a slice with butter or cream cheese. This bread also complements savory dishes like salads and soups, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, zucchini bread is sure to be a hit.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

To keep your zucchini bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh its texture.

This zucchini bread recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that will quickly become a favorite. Its moist texture, rich flavor, and versatility make it perfect for any occasion. Try it out, share it with friends and family, and explore other similar recipes on our blog for more delicious ideas. Happy baking!

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil (or substitute with applesauce for half)
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini (feel free to add more for extra moisture!)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

Begin by greasing two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans or six mini loaf pans. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil (or applesauce), vanilla extract, and both the white and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Add the grated zucchini and chopped walnuts to the batter, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Allow the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, filling them evenly.
Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. Mini loaves typically require about 35-40 minutes, while larger loaves take approximately 55 minutes.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool completely.
Slice the bread, serve, and enjoy the deliciously moist zucchini bread!