Classic Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat that combines the subtle sweetness of zucchini with warm spices and a soft texture. This bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. It’s an easy recipe that everyone in the family will enjoy, and it’s a great way to use up extra zucchini during the summer months.
Why Make This Recipe
Zucchini Bread is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your diet without anyone noticing! It’s moist, fluffy, and has a lovely cinnamon flavor. Plus, it’s simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding.
How to Make Classic Zucchini Bread
Follow these straightforward steps to create your homemade zucchini bread!
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) oil (canola, vegetable, or melted coconut work well)
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 grams) shredded zucchini, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. You can line it with parchment paper for easier removal if you want.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Then, stir in the shredded zucchini.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix them together until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts if you are using them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into one even layer.
- Bake in the oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Carefully take it out of the pan and place it on the wire rack to finish cooling. After it cools, slice it into pieces and enjoy!
How to Serve Classic Zucchini Bread
Classic Zucchini Bread is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or even a dollop of yogurt on top. It pairs well with coffee or tea and can be a delicious addition to a brunch table.
How to Store Classic Zucchini Bread
To keep your zucchini bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature.
Tips to Make Classic Zucchini Bread
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel before adding it to the batter. This helps the bread stay from getting too soggy.
- You can add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cloves or ginger along with the cinnamon.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by substituting the walnuts with other types of nuts, or omitting them altogether. You can also use different spices like cardamom for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can use yellow squash instead of zucchini. It will work similarly in the recipe.
2. Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg).
3. How can I tell when the zucchini bread is done?
You can tell the bread is done when it is golden brown on the outside and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Enjoy baking your Classic Zucchini Bread, and don’t hesitate to share this delicious recipe with friends and family!
Classic Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cups oil (canola, vegetable, or melted coconut)
- 0.5 cups brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cups shredded zucchini (lightly packed)
- 0.5 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the shredded zucchini.
Mixing
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
- Carefully take out of the pan and place it on the wire rack to finish cooling. Slice and enjoy!
