Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (2024)

Shelly 20 Comments

★★★★★5 from 11 reviews

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Save

My Favorites

This Zucchini Bread Recipe is ULTRA moist, easy to make and a great way to use up zucchini! It can be made with or without chocolate chips, and is delicious either way!

If you like this recipe make sure to try out my Autumn Bread which has zucchini, bananas, and carrots!

Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • Zucchini Bread Is An Easy Excuse To Eat Your Veggies!
  • Is Zucchini Bread Easy To Make?
  • Do You Need To Peel Zucchini For This Bread?
  • How Do You Grate Zucchini?
  • What Can I Add To Zucchini Bread?
  • Can You Freeze Zucchini Bread?
  • Looking For More Zucchini Recipes? Try These:
  • Get the Recipe

    Zucchini Bread Is An Easy Excuse To Eat Your Veggies!

    I feel like zucchini has had a big moment in recent years. When everyone started trying to pretend that zucchini noodles were an acceptable replacement for pasta, we all ran out and bought a spiralizer and used it for a few months. I mean, I totally jumped on that bandwagon. My Sesame Zoodles recipe is still a pretty freaking delicious dish. It’s just not pasta. It’s zucchini in a fun shape. And I’m totally ok with that. But alas, my spiralizer is in the cabinet and very rarely sees the light of day.

    But that doesn’t mean I still don’t dig zucchini! I just prefer it in a way LESS healthy form: Zucchini Bread!! So today I’m sharing my MOST favorite zucchini bread recipe ever. It’s easy, it’s quick, and I make it all the time!

    Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (2)

    Is Zucchini Bread Easy To Make?

    Don’t let the fact that there’s zucchini in this quick bread fool you…it’s sweet, soft, and amazing slathered with butter. You can even add chocolate chips, or nuts, OR BOTH which is my favorite way! It’s kinda-sorta like banana bread, but the zucchini doesn’t add a lot of flavor, it just adds moisture. BUT I will say, that if you eat zucchini bread warm, right out of the oven, that zucchini taste is definitely detectable. Just allow it to cool completely you won’t even know you are getting in your daily veggies!

    Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (3)

    Do You Need To Peel Zucchini For This Bread?

    Nope! Don’t bother peeling it especially if it’s grown in your garden, as the peel softens while baking! The deal with the peel is that sometimes at the supermarket the zucchini has a wax on the skin to keep it fresher longer. Food-grade wax is said to be safe to eat, but I make sure to wash my fruits and vegetables carefully, using a vegetable brush to do my best to remove the wax. If you wash you zucchini well, the skin is totally fine, and plus, I like the subtle green flecks it gives the zucchini bread when I slice it!

    Of course if you use a zucchini grown in a home garden, you won’t have to worry about wax and can just wash your zucchini as you normally would before grating them!

    How Do You Grate Zucchini?

    Just use a hand or box grater! I use the larger grate on the box grater we have, because the smaller grater can make your zucchini more of a mush. I don’t recommend dicing the zucchini for this bread recipe either, as you don’t want chunks of zucchini in the bread, you want it to bake in, dispersing the moisture evenly!

    What Can I Add To Zucchini Bread?

    I included in the recipe card the option to add chocolate chips and walnuts to this recipe, which I love, but that’s not all! Here are a few more ideas:

    • Lemon Zest – Leave out the chocolate chips, cinnamon, and nuts and add in some bright fresh lemon zest which pairs so well with the subtle zucchini flavor!
    • Nuts – I used walnuts in this recipe, but don’t let that be the only option! You can add in pecans, pistachios, or even chopped macadamia nuts!
    • Dried Fruit – Try adding raisins, dried apricots, dried cherries, figs, or Craisins!
    • Spices – I added cinnamon to my recipe, which you can leave out entirely or get creative with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom!
    • Coconut – You know I will add coconut to just about anything, and it would be a great addition in this recipe!

    Can You Freeze Zucchini Bread?

    ABSOLUTELY! You can and SHOULD freeze zucchini bread! If you have a great garden in the summer, or a neighbor who gives you zucchini from theirs, whip up a few batches of this and freeze it so you have it for months to come! Here’s how to freeze your loaf:

    1. When the zucchini bread is done baking, allow it to cool completely.
    2. Wrap your loaf in cling wrap tightly.
    3. Wrap it again in aluminum foil.
    4. Use a permanent marker, and make sure to write the date on the foil so you know when you baked it!
    5. I always place the loaf in a large zip-top bag at this point, but this is just an extra step.

    How To Thaw Out Zucchini Bread

    Simply remove the bread from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature. It will be ready to enjoy in a few hours! You can then slice it and toast it, warm a slice in the microwave, or have it at room temp!

    How Long Can I Freeze Zucchini Bread?

    I usually try to eat my frozen loaves within 2-3 months, but I have read you can freeze them for up to 6 months and they are great!

    Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (4)

    Looking For More Zucchini Recipes? Try These:

    • Zucchini Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Zucchini Chocolate Cake
    • 24 Amazing Zucchini Desserts

    Print

    Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (5)

    Zucchini Bread

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 11 reviews

    • Author: Shelly
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 50
    • Total Time: 1 hour
    • Yield: serves 10 1x
    • Category: Bread
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: Dessert

    Rate

    Print

    Description

    This is an amazingly simple zucchini bread recipe that is perfect when zucchini are in season, or all year long!

    Ingredients

    Scale

    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
    • 1 cup grated zucchini (1 medium)
    • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • optional – 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • optional – 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×5- inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom and up the short sides of the pan with a strip of parchment paper. Coat again with nonstick spray. Set aside.
    2. In a medium bowl whisk together the oil, eggs, vanilla, and sugars until smooth. Stir in the zucchini. Set aside.
    3. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
    4. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts if desired.
    5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    6. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 20 minutes and then using the parchment paper, lift the bread out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Notes

    Store airtight for up to 3 days at room temperature.

    Note – If you slice this while it’s still warm you will be able to slightly taste the zucchini. But if you allow this to cool completely you won’t taste it!

    * Nutrition info does not include the chocolate chip and walnuts.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 slice
    • Calories: 250
    • Sugar: 20.2 g
    • Sodium: 221.2 mg
    • Fat: 12.3 g
    • Carbohydrates: 33.4 g
    • Protein: 3.7 g
    • Cholesterol: 37.2 mg

    Want To Save This Recipe?

    Save Recipe

    My Favorites

    Find more recipes like this:

    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Quick Breads
    • Recipes

    PIN for later:

    Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (6)
    Delicious and Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Do you leave the skin on zucchini when making bread? ›

    Don't peel the zucchini – Yes, it's tempting to remove the zucchini's skin, but there is no need to do that. Zucchini melts into the bread, so peeling is just an unnecessary step. Do grate the zucchini – I don't know about you, but when it comes to zucchini in bread, I want it there – but I don't want to see it.

    Why won't my zucchini bread rise? ›

    But a common problem bakers face is flat zucchini bread. Food chemist Shirley Corriher suggests making sure the baking powder is fresh -- and using less leavening.

    What causes my zucchini bread to fall in the middle? ›

    As the bread or cake cooks, those air bubbles make it rise, but because they are unstable, the bread or cake then collapses as it sits. Try mixing with a gentler touch: use medium, not high, speed on the electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly in between each addition.

    Why is zucchini bread so good? ›

    But a good loaf of zucchini bread can be seriously delicious. The secret lies in the squash itself, lending the bread a wonderfully moist texture and a slightly savory flavor that complements the warm spices. To me, the perfect loaf is rich and cakey, and stays soft for days after it's baked.

    How many zucchinis for 2 cups? ›

    You need 2 cups of grated zucchini for the recipe, so you will need about 3 small zucchini, 2 medium zucchini, or 1 large zucchini.

    Is zucchini better with or without skin? ›

    Do You Peel Zucchini? You'll get the most health benefits if you eat the colorful skin, which holds the healthy carotenoids. Zucchini skin is soft, thin, and perfectly edible, so don't peel it off.

    What happens if you put too much baking powder in zucchini bread? ›

    Using too much baking soda or baking powder can really mess up a recipe, causing it to rise uncontrollably and taste terrible.

    Do you squeeze out the liquid from zucchini for bread? ›

    Squeezing is optional.

    Some recipes tell you to remove extra moisture from the grated zucchini by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. But unless your zucchini is excessively juicy, squeezing the squash could be removing some of the moisture you really do want in the bread. It's up to you, though.

    Why is my zucchini bread gummy? ›

    You can combat this by baking longer, or upping the temp a bit. If the oven temp is not the issue, then start adding a tablespoon or two less liquid to your batters (you may live in a humid climate and your flours may be absorbing moisture; too much moisture can make for a gummy product).

    Can I Rebake undercooked zucchini bread? ›

    It is pretty simple to salvage an undercooked bread and create a decent loaf. Heat the oven to 350 F, return the bread to the oven, and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes. This will work even if the loaf has cooled, which is similar to par-baking bread.

    Why is my zucchini bread so dry? ›

    Don't slice zucchini bread until you're ready to enjoy it; slicing will allow the bread to dry out quicker. Glazing your bread will also keep it moister.

    Why does my zucchini bread taste weird? ›

    Additionally, larger zucchinis don't taste as good, with a more bitter flavor. They can also have larger seeds. These large seeds can throw off the texture of your zucchini bread.

    What pairs with zucchini bread? ›

    For a scrumptious pairing, try topping your zucchini bread with decadent Fig Preserves. The sweetness of the figs will pair seamlessly with the bread's signature cinnamon, butter, and pecan notes.

    How long does homemade zucchini bread last? ›

    Store freshly made zucchini bread (tightly wrapped in storage wrap and/or aluminum foil) at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    Does zucchini need to be peeled for baking? ›

    There's no need to peel zucchini. In fact, the skin is a big source of zucchini nutrition (the deep green color is a dead giveaway) so you definitely want to leave the skin on. How to cut zucchini: after giving the zucchini squash a good rinse under cold water, slice off the stem and discard it.

    Do you leave skin on zucchini when shredding? ›

    Rinse the zucchini under water and wipe dry with paper towels. No need to peel the zucchini beforehand-the skin is mild in flavor and will soften when cooked. Plus, much of zucchini's fiber content is in its skin, so you don't want to throw that away.

    Do you grate the whole zucchini for bread? ›

    Grate, don't chop.

    Here's how to grate a zucchini: Cut off the ends of the zucchini and rub it against the shredder side of a box grater to make a pile of squash that's perfectly sized for baking zucchini bread. You can also use the shredder blade in your food processor to quickly shred zucchini.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Rob Wisoky

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6064

    Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

    Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Rob Wisoky

    Birthday: 1994-09-30

    Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

    Phone: +97313824072371

    Job: Education Orchestrator

    Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

    Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.