Zucchini Bread

2 loaves servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 15 m Beginner
4.0/5 (1)
Zucchini Bread
This is a delicious, freezable bread that no one will ever guess is made with zucchini. Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and studded with nuts, it’s good served warm or cool. Can be iced with a powdered sugar glaze if desired or slather on some cream cheese on top.

Ingredients

2 loaves servings
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup salad oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 3/4 cup chopped nuts (your choice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two loaf pans well.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar together well.
  3. Add the zucchini, oil and vanilla mixing thoroughly.
  4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. Add to zucchini mixture and stir together just until combined. Stir in nuts.
  5. Pour into the two well-greased loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my zucchini bread too dense?

A: Make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients - stir just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough.

Q: Should I squeeze out the liquid from the zucchini?

A: No need to squeeze the zucchini for this recipe - the moisture keeps the bread nice and tender. Just grate it and use as is.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t peel the zucchini - the green flecks add color and nutrition, and you won’t be able to taste them in the finished bread. This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • salad oil: vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil
  • chopped nuts: pecans, walnuts, or omit entirely
  • sugar: 1 1/4 cups sugar plus 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Equipment Needed

  • Two 9x5-inch loaf pans
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Grater for zucchini
  • Wire cooling rack