Zucchini Bread Recipe

With summer on the horizon, you’re sure to have a friend or neighbor who grew too much zucchini. And what’s the best thing to make with zucchini? Zucchini bread, of course.

Why you’ll love this zucchini bread recipe

There are two headlining reasons to make this zucchini bread recipe: It’s foolproof and it uses one mixing bowl only. No separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients needed here. Simply dump all the ingredients into one bowl and bake.

Ingredients and prep process

You’ll need the ingredients below to make the recipe as designed. Note that if you’re missing something, there’s probably a good substitute. See the next section below for ways to customize your zucchini bread.

• 2 ½ cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup oil
• 2 cups zucchini (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup nuts (optional)
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon

As noted, the prep process doesn’t need much explanation. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and pour the batter into two prepared loaf pans. Bake them at 350°F or 177°C for 1 hour.

Ways to customize this zucchini bread

If you’ve eaten too much zucchini bread in your day, swapping out some ingredients for a different taste and texture is an easy fix. Like many quick bread recipes, this one is practically a blank canvas. You can swap in sweeteners and seasonings to suit your tastes, as well as gluten-free flours and egg substitutes to meet your dietary needs.

Here are some ideas:

Mix-ins

Enhance your zucchini bread with delicious mix-ins. Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut, or raisins or cranberries. These additions provide extra texture and bursts of flavor.

Spices

While zucchini bread typically includes warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, you can experiment with other aromatic spices to add depth and complexity. Try incorporating a hint of ginger, allspice, cardamom, or even a touch of cloves for a more distinctive flavor profile.

Citrus zest

Add a citrus twist to your zucchini bread by incorporating lemon or orange zest. The citrus oils will infuse the bread with a refreshing and vibrant taste.

Different flours

Instead of using only all-purpose flour, consider swapping a portion of it with alternative flours for added nutritional value or unique textures. Whole wheat flour, almond flour, oat flour, or even a gluten-free flour blend can bring a different character to your zucchini bread.

Sweeteners

While zucchini bread typically calls for granulated sugar, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners. Try using honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or a combination to tailor the sweetness to your preference. Keep in mind that different sweeteners may affect the texture and moisture of the bread.

Savory twist

If you enjoy experimenting, give your zucchini bread a savory twist. Add ingredients like shredded cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs (such as rosemary or basil), or even a touch of hot sauce to create a savory zucchini bread that pairs well with soups or salads.

Glazes and frostings

Elevate the presentation and flavor of your zucchini bread by drizzling a glaze or spreading a frosting on top. A simple lemon glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a cinnamon-infused icing can add a touch of decadence and make your bread even more enticing.

Shape and presentation

Instead of a loaf, you can bake individual muffins, mini loaves, or even turn it into a zucchini bread bundt cake. Experiment with different sizes and shapes to suit your occasion or personal preference.

Pro tip: Keep track of any modifications you make, noting the ingredient quantities and cooking times.

More sweet baked breads to try

The right zucchini bread recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a moist and flavorful treat — which, I don’t know, seems oddly satisfying. Not as satisfying as eating a warm slice of that moist and flavorful treat, topped with a pat of butter, of course.