Easy Homemade Zucchini Bread Recipe: Fresh From The Garden

Summer’s bounty bursts with fresh zucchini bread waiting to be transformed into a delectable treat.

This moist, tender quick bread carries the subtle garden-fresh essence of summer squash.

Packed with warm spices and a hint of sweetness, the recipe turns ordinary zucchini into an extraordinary baked delight.

Bakers love how effortlessly this bread comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

Every slice promises a rich, comforting experience that celebrates seasonal produce.

The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen with warmth.

You’ll savor each bite of this irresistible quick bread that turns humble zucchini into a star ingredient.

FAQs

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind this will make the bread slightly denser and give it a nuttier flavor.

• How do I know if my zucchini is too wet?

After grating, squeeze out just enough moisture so the zucchini isn’t dripping wet. A light squeeze is perfect – you want some moisture to keep the bread soft and tender.

• What if I don't have nutmeg or cinnamon?

You can skip these spices or replace them with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice. These alternatives will still give your zucchini bread a warm, aromatic flavor.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Why This Zucchini Bread Recipe Stands Out

• This zucchini bread recipe offers a simple, straightforward process that even novice bakers can master with ease. No complicated techniques or professional skills required.
• Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this bread appeals to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy its moist texture and subtle sweetness.
• Sneaking zucchini into a delicious bread makes healthy eating unexpectedly enjoyable. The vegetable adds moisture and nutrition without compromising taste, making it a smart choice for picky eaters.
• Easily adaptable with optional mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, this recipe allows personal creativity. Bakers can experiment and make the bread uniquely their own.

Simple Ingredients for Moist Zucchini Bread

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the zucchini bread.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread and provides structure.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the bread.

• Zucchini: Adds moisture, subtle vegetable sweetness, and nutrients to the bread.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create depth and complexity in the flavor profile.
• Walnuts, Raisins, Chocolate Chips: Optional mix-ins that add texture and extra flavor to the bread.

How to Bake Classic Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Crank up the oven to 350°F.

Grab your loaf pan and coat it with oil or line with parchment paper for super easy bread removal.

Step 2: Shred Zucchini

Use a box grater to transform zucchinis into delicate shreds.

Give them a gentle squeeze to remove extra moisture, keeping just enough to maintain bread’s juicy texture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Create Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.

• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks glossy and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Zucchini with Wet Ingredients

Fold shredded zucchini into wet mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients.

Stir gently and minimally to prevent dense bread texture.

Step 7: Optional Mix-Ins

• Chopped walnuts
• Raisins
• Chocolate chips

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Zucchini Bread Baking Tips and Tricks

• Remove excess moisture but keep some for a perfectly moist bread texture without making the batter too wet.
• Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense bread and maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Fold in walnuts, chocolate chips, or raisins gently at the end for extra flavor and texture without weighing down the batter.
• Use room temperature eggs and ingredients to ensure even mixing and consistent baking throughout the zucchini bread.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

How to Keep Zucchini Bread Fresh

• Store leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent mold growth.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Zucchini bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, preserving its delicious flavor and texture.
• Remove frozen zucchini bread from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. This gradual thawing helps maintain the bread's moisture and prevents sogginess.
• Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds. For the best results, use a low heat setting to prevent drying out and preserve the bread's soft, tender crumb.

What to Serve With Zucchini Bread

• Pair Complementary Wines: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the zucchini bread's warm spices and subtle sweetness. The wine's fruity notes will highlight the bread's delicate flavor profile.
• Create Creamy Coffee Companions: Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel or vanilla. The coffee's gentle richness will perfectly complement the bread's moist texture and cinnamon undertones, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
• Match Herbal Tea Blends: Select a soothing chamomile or chai tea to enhance the zucchini bread's warm spices. The herbal notes will dance alongside the bread's subtle sweetness, creating a comforting and harmonious taste experience.
• Elevate with Spreadable Delights: Top slices with whipped honey butter or maple cream cheese to add an extra layer of decadence. These creamy spreads will intensify the bread's moisture and bring out its subtle zucchini and spice nuances.

Tasty Variations on Basic Zucchini Bread

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains a similar soft texture.
• Vegan Zucchini Bread: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap refined sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Zucchini Bread: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate applesauce to maintain moisture while cutting down on added sugars.
• Keto-Friendly Zucchini Bread: Use almond flour and coconut flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and add extra nuts for healthy fats, creating a low-carb option for ketogenic diets.

Zucchini Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible zucchini bread brings Southern comfort to your kitchen, blending sweet spices with garden-fresh goodness. Moist crumbs and warm cinnamon invite friends and family to savor this classic homestyle treat you’ll want to share again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml / 16 ounces) grated zucchini
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper for effortless bread removal.
2. Grate zucchinis and gently squeeze out excess moisture, keeping enough to maintain bread’s moisture.
3. Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg) in a large bowl, whisking to distribute evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, then incorporate vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture appears smooth and glossy.
5. Integrate grated zucchini into the wet ingredients, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the batter.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent dense texture.
7. Carefully incorporate optional mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, distributing gently throughout the batter.
8. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
9. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring optimal texture and preventing crumbling.

Notes

• Gently squeeze zucchini to remove excess water without making it completely dry, preserving the bread’s soft texture and preventing sogginess.
• Swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the zucchini bread suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar by 25% and replace with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier, naturally sweet alternative without compromising moisture.
• Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine quickly and minimally to ensure a tender, light crumb and prevent tough, dense bread.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 198
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg