Zucchini bread is a delightful way to use up an abundance of zucchini, especially during the summer months when the vegetable is in season. This moist and flavorful quick bread is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Below is a detailed guide to making zucchini bread, including prep time, cooking time, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.
Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24
Yield: 2 (8×4-inch) loaves
Ingredients
To make two loaves of zucchini bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to aid in leavening.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 ¼ cups white sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma.
- 2 cups grated zucchini: The star ingredient, providing moisture and a subtle vegetable flavor.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: Adds texture and a nutty flavor (optional, but highly recommended).
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Proper preheating is crucial for even baking. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking pans by greasing and flouring two 8×4-inch loaf pans. This step ensures that the bread won’t stick to the pans, making it easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Sifting these ingredients not only removes any lumps but also aerates the flour, which can help create a lighter bread. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures the bread rises properly, while the cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the bread.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and slightly thickened mixture. The eggs add richness and help bind the ingredients together, while the oil ensures the bread stays moist. The sugar provides sweetness and also helps with the caramelization of the crust.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating well after each addition. This method ensures the ingredients are evenly incorporated without overmixing, which could result in a dense bread. Once the batter is smooth and well-mixed, gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped walnuts. The zucchini should be finely grated to blend seamlessly into the batter, providing moisture and a subtle flavor without overpowering the bread. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter, ensuring it’s level for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. This will take approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven and the moisture content of the zucchini. The bread should have a golden-brown crust and a firm but springy texture when done.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes. Cooling the bread in the pans allows it to set and makes it easier to remove without falling apart. After 20 minutes, run a table knife around the edges of the bread to loosen it from the pan. Carefully invert the loaves onto the wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bread
- Zucchini Preparation: If your zucchini is particularly watery, consider patting it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the batter. This will prevent excess moisture, which could make the bread too dense or soggy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread.
- Spice it Up: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter along with the cinnamon.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
- Storing Zucchini Bread: Zucchini bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, wrap the loaves in foil and freeze them for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- For Breakfast: Serve a slice of zucchini bread with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delicious start to your day.
- As a Snack: Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a mid-afternoon treat.
- For Dessert: Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
Nutrition Facts
While zucchini bread is a treat, it’s good to know what’s inside:
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories per slice (based on 24 servings)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used, particularly if you add or substitute ingredients like chocolate chips or different types of nuts.
Conclusion
Zucchini bread is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for using up extra zucchini. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and warm spices, it’s a bread that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this zucchini bread recipe is a winner. Plus, with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a great recipe to make with kids or to bake and share with friends and family. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade zucchini bread and savor every bite!