Description
This deliciously moist zucchini bread recipe is a classic homemade treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with shredded zucchini, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of sweetness from both granulated and brown sugar, it creates a tender, flavorful loaf. Optional chopped nuts add a delightful crunch. The bread is easy to prepare and baked to perfection, resulting in a moist texture that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (do not drain or squeeze)
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
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 optional ground nutmeg to evenly distribute all the dry spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Zucchini: Stir the shredded zucchini directly into the wet ingredients, ensuring it is evenly mixed without draining any moisture for a moist texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb. Fold in the chopped nuts if you are using them.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly to help the bread bake consistently.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the zucchini bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set well before slicing.
Notes
- Do not drain or squeeze the shredded zucchini to retain moisture for a perfectly moist bread.
- Using both granulated and brown sugar adds depth of flavor and additional moisture.
- Optional nuts add texture but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Check the bread starting at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out the loaf.
- Store leftover bread wrapped at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American