This Zucchini Spice Bread is a warm and cozy treat! It’s packed with fresh zucchini, comforting spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and is wonderfully soft.
Honestly, I love how this bread fills my kitchen with an amazing smell. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, you can pretend it’s healthy because of the zucchini! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini brings moisture to the bread, making it delicious and soft. If you can’t find zucchini, shredded carrots can work as a substitute for similar texture and sweetness.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used here, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour can be a good substitute. It gives a nuttier flavor and adds fiber.
Sugars: Combining granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness. You can replace some of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist. You can swap it with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce if you want a lighter option.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are vital for flavor. If you’re out of nutmeg, a pinch of allspice or ginger can be nice alternatives. Don’t skip the spices, as they add warmth!
How Do You Ensure Not to Overmix the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients separately just until combined. Here’s how to get it right:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently; a few lumps are okay!
- When adding ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in with a spatula instead of mixing vigorously.
- Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. This will help keep your bread light and fluffy.
How to Make Zucchini Spice Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This zucchini spice bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for another 10 minutes before enjoying your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Loaf Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Use a whisk to mix them together until well combined and smooth. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Lastly, stir in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix.
3. Adding the Zucchini:
Now, fold in the grated zucchini. Make sure to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture. This is what gives the bread its moist texture!
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give this a gentle stir to combine the dry ingredients.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough!
6. Adding Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like to include nuts or raisins (or chocolate chips!), fold them into the batter now. They add a lovely texture and flavor!
7. Baking the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Now, it’s time to bake! Place it in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once the bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When it’s ready, slice and serve your delightful zucchini spice bread. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Other Oils for Vegetable Oil?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you use applesauce, reduce the amount by about 1/4 cup to maintain the bread’s moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free zucchini spice bread, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Make sure your mix contains xanthan gum, or add about 1/2 teaspoon to help with the bread’s structure.
Can I Freeze Zucchini Spice Bread?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for about 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Spice Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. For longer freshness, consider freezing it as mentioned above!
