Description
Zucchini bread is a moist, tender quick bread made with freshly grated zucchini and warm spices. Lightly sweet and perfectly soft, it’s a great way to use up summer zucchini and enjoy a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups grated zucchini (do not peel; lightly squeeze excess moisture)
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or half white, half brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Chocolate chips
- Raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil and sugar until combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well to incorporate fully.
- Incorporate Zucchini: Stir in grated zucchini, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated; be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Stir in optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins if using.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Do not over-squeeze the zucchini—some moisture is needed for a tender loaf.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Zucchini bread freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
