This Easy Zucchini Spice Bread is a warm, cozy treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. With its tender texture and mix of spices, it’s a delicious way to use up extra zucchini!
What’s great is how simple it is to whip up. I’ve made it in a hurry, and it always comes out moist and flavorful. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in your day! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is the star of this bread. It adds moisture without overpowering the flavor. If you’re short on zucchini, shredded carrots can also work well in a pinch.
Oils: I typically use vegetable oil, but you can substitute with canola oil or melted coconut oil for a different taste. Olive oil is a great choice too, just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly!
Spices: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. Nutmeg adds a cozy touch. If you want to spice things up, try ginger or allspice instead of cloves for a different twist.
Sugars: This recipe combines granulated and brown sugar to balance sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, adjusting the quantity accordingly.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture. If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
How Do You Ensure Your Zucchini Bread is Moist and Flavorful?
To make your zucchini bread perfectly moist, follow these tips:
- Use fresh, grated zucchini. Squeeze out excess water to avoid a soggy loaf.
- Mix your wet and dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean; it may still look slightly wet because the bread continues to set as it cools.
- Let it cool in the pan before moving it to a rack – this helps it firm up just a bit more!
Easy Zucchini Spice Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let your bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan and then allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. In total, you’ll need about 1.5 hours from start to finish, plus any additional time to enjoy the delicious smell filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent your delicious bread from sticking!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the two eggs, pour in the vegetable oil, and add the vanilla extract. Beat these together until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Add the Sugars:
Next, stir in both the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. This will give your bread a lovely sweetness!
4. Fold in the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini to the wet mixture. This adds moisture and a nice texture to your bread.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using). These spices will really bring your bread to life!
6. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps keep the bread light and fluffy.
7. Add Optional Nuts:
If you’re using chopped nuts or walnuts, fold them in now to add a tasty crunch to your bread!
8. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This bit of patience will pay off!
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cool, slice your zucchini bread and enjoy a moist, warmly spiced treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert any time of day!
FAQs About Easy Zucchini Spice Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen zucchini before using it in the recipe. This will help maintain the bread’s texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, make sure your baking powder and any other ingredients are gluten-free as well!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices in cling wrap and a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize the Flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or other spices like ginger for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Just be mindful of how these additions may affect the moisture level!
