When I think of the perfect quick bread, zucchini bread always comes to mind. It’s incredibly moist, lightly sweet, and filled with warm spices that make every bite comforting. The best part? It’s a fantastic way to use up extra zucchini without even realizing you’re eating vegetables! Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter, this bread is always a hit.

I love how easy it is to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. The zucchini adds natural moisture, keeping the bread soft and tender without needing too much oil or butter. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or gifting to friends and family. If you haven’t made zucchini bread before, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Bread

Super Moist & Flavorful – Thanks to the zucchini, this bread stays soft and tender for days.
Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen!
Great for Leftover Zucchini – A delicious way to use up extra zucchini from your garden.
Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or your favorite spices for extra flavor.
Freezes Well – Make a batch and save some for later!

What Kind of Zucchini Should I Use for Zucchini Bread?

When making zucchini bread, it’s best to use medium-sized zucchini. Smaller zucchinis tend to be too watery and can affect the texture of the bread. On the other hand, larger zucchinis may have larger seeds and more water content, so it’s important to remove the seeds and excess moisture. You can leave the skin on for extra fiber, but if the zucchini is very large, you might want to peel it to ensure it blends smoothly into the bread.

Options for Substitutions

Flour: If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check if your blend contains xanthan gum for the right consistency.
Sugar: For a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar by half or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Eggs: If you’re looking for an egg-free alternative, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes) for each egg.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans are classic additions to zucchini bread, but feel free to swap them out for other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, or even leave them out if you’re not a fan.
Spices: If you don’t have cinnamon or nutmeg, ginger or allspice could work as well. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for more depth of flavor.
Butter/Oil: For a healthier twist, you can swap out some or all of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version of zucchini bread.

Ingredients for Zucchini Bread

Zucchini: The star ingredient that provides moisture and texture to the bread. It’s important to grate it finely to ensure it blends seamlessly into the batter.
Flour: All-purpose flour is commonly used to give the bread structure. It provides a soft, tender crumb.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but it also helps with the moisture and browning of the bread.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise and become fluffy.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth of flavor, making the bread smell irresistible as it bakes.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and balance the sweetness.
Vegetable Oil or Butter: Both options add moisture, but butter will bring a richer flavor, while oil keeps the bread lighter and moist for longer.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and fragrance to the bread.
Nuts (Optional): Walnuts or pecans are classic, providing a crunch and an earthy contrast to the soft bread.
Chocolate Chips (Optional): For an extra indulgent treat, add some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter.

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor. You’ll need about two medium zucchinis, but be sure to measure the grated zucchini after it’s been shredded. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. This will prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and oil (or melted butter). Add in the vanilla extract and whisk until everything is well combined. The wet ingredients should appear smooth and slightly fluffy from the sugar.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the bread rise evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Zucchini into the Wet Ingredients

Add the grated zucchini to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to incorporate. The zucchini will add moisture to the batter, and this step ensures it’s evenly mixed in.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point.

Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper. Pour the zucchini bread batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the zucchini bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.

How Long to Cook Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread typically takes 55-60 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). However, baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your loaf pan. If you’re using a smaller or larger pan, check for doneness a little earlier or later.

To ensure the bread is perfectly baked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), your zucchini bread is ready to be taken out of the oven. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bread

Squeeze the Zucchini: Be sure to remove excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the batter. This will help avoid a soggy bread texture.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough bread.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread after 50 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Let It Cool: Allow the zucchini bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread hold its shape.
Add-ins: Feel free to customize your zucchini bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit. Just fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Not Grating the Zucchini Enough: If the zucchini is grated too coarsely, it can result in uneven moisture distribution, leading to a soggy bread or uneven texture. Make sure to finely grate the zucchini.
Not Removing Excess Moisture: Zucchini contains a lot of water, and not squeezing it out before mixing it into the batter can result in a watery, dense loaf. Always squeeze out excess moisture with a kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the bread to become tough and dense. Stir the ingredients gently until just combined.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan and then on a wire rack ensures it retains its shape and texture. Trying to slice it too soon can result in it falling apart or being too soft.
Not Testing for Doneness: If you don’t test the bread for doneness, it might come out undercooked or overcooked. Always check with a toothpick or cake tester in the center to ensure it’s fully baked.

What to Serve with Zucchini Bread?

1. Fresh Fruit

Pairing zucchini bread with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or citrus will brighten up the flavor. The freshness complements the warm spices in the bread.

2. Cream Cheese

A dollop of cream cheese on top of a warm slice of zucchini bread is a match made in heaven. You can also add some honey or jam for an extra touch of sweetness.

3. Nut Butter

Almond or peanut butter spread on zucchini bread is a delicious and filling option for breakfast or a snack. It adds protein and a creamy texture that balances the moist bread.

4. Greek Yogurt

For a healthier twist, try serving zucchini bread with a side of Greek yogurt. The tangy flavor works well with the richness of the bread.

5. Coffee or Tea

Zucchini bread is the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm beverage. Whether it’s a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a comforting tea, this pairing creates the perfect cozy moment.

6. Ice Cream

For an indulgent dessert, serve zucchini bread with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm bread.

7. Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream on top of zucchini bread adds a luscious, airy texture that complements its dense, moist crumb.

8. Toasted Nuts

If you enjoy a crunchy contrast, try adding some toasted walnuts or pecans on top. It adds texture and richness to the already flavorful bread.

Storage Instructions

Zucchini bread can be stored in several ways to ensure it stays fresh. After the bread has cooled completely, you can store it at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate it, where it will last for up to 1 week.

For longer storage, zucchini bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a resealable freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. You can also slice the bread before freezing for quick, single-serving portions.

Estimated Nutrition

Each slice of zucchini bread (about 1/12th of the loaf) contains approximately:

Calories: 180-200
Fat: 8-10 grams
Carbohydrates: 28-30 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams
Sugar: 16-18 grams
Protein: 3-4 grams

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and any substitutions you make, such as using a sugar alternative or swapping in healthier fats. To make the recipe lighter, consider reducing the sugar or using lower-fat substitutes like applesauce or yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make zucchini bread gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help the bread hold together and rise properly.

2. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! While zucchini is the star here, you can try using other grated vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. They’ll add different flavors and moisture, just like zucchini.

3. Should I peel the zucchini before grating?

It’s not necessary to peel the zucchini, as the skin is soft and adds fiber. However, if your zucchini is very large, peeling it might help achieve a smoother texture.

4. How can I make zucchini bread less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar by half or swap it for a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Keep in mind that the bread will still need some form of sweetener for flavor and texture.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to the bread?

Yes! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to zucchini bread. Fold them into the batter just before baking for a rich, indulgent twist.

6. How do I know when my zucchini bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no raw batter), your bread is done. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

7. Can I freeze zucchini bread?

Yes, zucchini bread freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter when ready to enjoy.

8. Can I use melted butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter can be substituted for oil in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor, but the bread will still turn out moist and delicious.

Conclusion

Zucchini bread is a simple, comforting treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up extra zucchini or craving a sweet snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and save it on Pinterest for easy access next time you want to bake something delicious!