Description
This deliciously moist zucchini bread recipe combines shredded zucchini, warm spices, and a balance of sugars to create a tender, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a simple mix of pantry staples and optional nuts for added texture, this easy-to-follow recipe yields a soft, moist bread that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (do not drain or squeeze)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and optionally ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Add Zucchini: Stir the shredded zucchini directly into the wet mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Fill Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the zucchini bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not drain or squeeze the shredded zucchini; the moisture is essential for the bread’s softness.
- You can substitute nuts or omit them entirely based on preference or allergies.
- Store the zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or a splash of orange zest to the batter.