Grandmas Moist Zucchini Bread Recipe

Cozy Zucchini Bread Recipe Just Like Grandma’s

Fresh zucchini bread with a hint of nostalgia weaves magic through grandma’s moist zucchini bread recipe passed down generations.

Summer gardens overflow with tender green zucchini waiting to become something extraordinary.

This classic quick bread bursts with subtle sweetness and unexpected moisture from shredded vegetables.

Warm spices like cinnamon dance through each tender crumb, creating a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a treat that connects generations.

Rich and dense, the bread offers a delightful way to use excess garden harvest.

You’ll savor every single slice of this beloved family recipe.

FAQs

  • Why use a lower oven temperature of 325°F?

Lower temperature helps the zucchini bread bake more evenly and prevents the outside from burning while keeping the inside moist and tender.

  • How do I prevent my zucchini bread from being too wet?

Remove excess moisture from grated zucchini by gently pressing it with a paper towel. Don’t squeeze too hard, just enough to remove dripping liquid.

  • Can I tell if the bread is fully baked without cutting into it?

Yes, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is fully baked. Check a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.

  • What happens if I overmix the batter?

Overmixing can make the zucchini bread tough and dense. Gently mix ingredients just until combined to keep the bread light and tender.

Why Grandma’s Zucchini Bread Is So Loved

  • Transforms humble zucchini into a delectable, moist bread that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Requires minimal baking skills with straightforward instructions, perfect for beginners wanting to create something delicious without stress.
  • Cleverly disguises nutritious zucchini in a sweet, irresistible treat that kids and adults will devour without hesitation.
  • Works wonderfully as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, potluck contribution, or unexpected dessert that suits nearly every gathering and mood.

Ingredients That Make Grandma’s Zucchini Bread Special

Main Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: A fresh, moist vegetable that adds incredible moisture and subtle sweetness to the bread.
  • Flour: The primary structural base that gives the bread its tender crumb and shape.
  • Eggs: A crucial binding agent that helps hold the bread together and provides richness.
  • Sugar, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that contribute to the bread's delightful flavor and golden color.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil, Almond Extract, Vanilla Extract: Ingredients that enhance moisture, add depth of flavor, and provide a subtle, aromatic essence to the bread.
Dry Spices and Leavening Agents:
  • Cinnamon, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Spices and rising agents that create a light texture, add warm flavor, and help the bread achieve perfect height and softness.

Steps for Moist, Flavorful Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a gentle 325°F.

This lower temperature ensures even baking and keeps the bread wonderfully moist.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda

Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to prevent unexpected lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together:
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract

Use a mixer on low speed or a whisk for smooth blending.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing about a third at a time.

The batter will become thick and smooth.

Step 5: Prepare Zucchini

Grate zucchini onto a clean kitchen towel.

Gently press to remove excess moisture, but don’t worry about making it completely dry.

Step 6: Incorporate Zucchini

Gently fold grated zucchini into the batter.

Mix just enough to distribute evenly without overmixing.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Pans

Coat loaf pans with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper to ensure easy bread removal.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Divide batter evenly between two pans.

Bake for approximately 50 minutes.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Be cautious not to overbake.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a cooling rack to prevent continued cooking.

Slice and enjoy the moist, flavorful zucchini bread!

Old-School Tips for Perfect Zucchini Loaves

  • Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy bread and ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
  • Use vegetable oil instead of butter to keep the bread incredibly moist and tender, creating a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to complement the cinnamon, creating a more complex and rich taste profile that elevates the bread.
  • Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutritional boost, maintaining the bread's signature moistness while adding more fiber.
  • Wrap the cooled zucchini bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for longer preservation.

How to Store Grandma’s Zucchini Bread Properly

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keeps moisture intact and prevents drying out.
  • Slice bread, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Keep in airtight container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days. Place wax paper between slices to prevent sticking.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, toast in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original moisture and warmth.

What to Pair with This Classic Loaf

  • Pair with Creamy Cream Cheese Spread: Whip softened cream cheese with a touch of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon for a luxurious complement that enhances the bread's warm spices.
  • Serve with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a robust chai tea with steamed milk and a dash of cardamom, creating a comforting beverage that mirrors the zucchini bread's cozy flavor profile.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, rich vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm slice of zucchini bread for a delightful temperature and texture contrast that brings out the bread's subtle sweetness.
  • Accompany with Toasted Almond Butter: Spread freshly toasted almond butter on a slice, adding nutty depth and complementing the bread's existing almond extract undertones.

Time-Tested Zucchini Bread Twists to Try

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Zucchini Loaf: Swap eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut oil instead of regular oil. Choose a plant-based sugar to complete the vegan transformation.
  • Low-Sugar Zucchini Bread: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance flavor without increasing calories.
  • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread: Fold in sugar-free or dark chocolate chips before baking to create a decadent version that adds extra richness and texture to the classic recipe.
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Grandmas Moist Zucchini Bread Recipe

Grandma’s Moist Zucchini Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Grandma’s moist zucchini bread weaves nostalgia and comfort into each delectable slice. Cinnamon-spiced sweetness and garden-fresh zucchini create a homemade masterpiece that connects generations through one simple, irresistible loaf you’ll cherish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups (480 ml) zucchini, grated, moisture removed, use medium size zucchini
  • 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Calibrate the oven to 325°F, ensuring a gentle, even baking environment that preserves the bread’s moisture and texture.
  2. Thoroughly combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  3. In a separate container, vigorously blend eggs, white and brown sugars, oil, vanilla, and almond extract using a low-speed mixer or robust whisk.
  4. Incrementally incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending smoothly one-third at a time until achieving a dense, uniform batter.
  5. Process zucchini through a grater, then delicately extract excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel, maintaining just enough moisture for optimal bread consistency.
  6. Gently integrate grated zucchini into the batter, stirring minimally to ensure even dispersion without compromising the mixture’s structure.
  7. Prepare loaf pans by applying non-stick spray or parchment paper, facilitating effortless bread removal post-baking.
  8. Evenly distribute batter between pans, then bake for approximately 50 minutes at 325°F. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should emerge clean without raw batter residue.
  9. Allow bread to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack, preventing continued cooking and maintaining ideal moisture levels.

Notes

  • Always use fresh zucchini to ensure maximum moisture and flavor in your bread.
  • Squeeze out excess liquid from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread.
  • Consider using whole wheat flour for a healthier version without compromising the bread’s texture.
  • Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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