Zucchini Spice Bread is a cozy treat that’s perfect for any time of the day! It’s moist and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla, making it super tasty!
I love how easy it is to whip up—just mix in grated zucchini and spices with flour, and you’ve got a delicious loaf. It’s like magic baking in the oven!🍞✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grate a medium zucchini for about 1 cup. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use finely grated carrots for a different twist or even applesauce to add moisture.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is great, you can swap it out for melted coconut oil or applesauce to cut down on fat. Olive oil can work too, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Granulated Sugar: Instead of white sugar, try using brown sugar for a richer flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just know it may darken the bread.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts, but you can also use pecans or skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free bread. Sunflower seeds are a fun substitute too!
Dried Fruits: Raisins add sweetness, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to use chopped dates, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
How Do You Mix Ingredients So They Don’t Become Tough?
Great question! When making quick breads, like zucchini spice bread, the goal is to mix just enough to combine everything, but not too much. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Start by mixing the wet ingredients together well until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. Mixing them separately ensures even distribution and avoids lumps.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold them with a spatula or wooden spoon, stirring until just combined. A few flour streaks are okay!
- If you’re adding nuts or dried fruits, fold them in carefully at the end to keep the mixture light.
This technique will help keep your bread fluffy and tender. Happy baking!
How to Make Zucchini Spice Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together, plus 55 to 65 minutes for baking. After baking, allow an additional 10 minutes to cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your delicious zucchini spice bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows your bread to bake evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with some cooking spray or butter, then sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Make sure it’s mixed well so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your zucchini mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bread tough.
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you want to add some extra flavor and texture, fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits at this stage until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Now, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top a bit if needed. This will help it cook evenly.
7. Bake:
Pop the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it’s not ready, give it a few extra minutes.
8. Cool Down:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy.
9. Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your zucchini spice bread and serve it as you like! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container. Enjoy this tasty treat!
Can I Substitute Olive Oil for Vegetable Oil?
Absolutely! Olive oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil, giving a slightly different flavor but still resulting in a moist bread. Just keep in mind that the taste may be a bit more pronounced, so choose a light olive oil if you prefer a milder flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Nuts or Dried Fruits?
No worries! You can leave out the nuts and dried fruits entirely, or replace them with other add-ins such as chocolate chips or seeds for a different twist. The bread will still be delicious and flavorful!
How to Store Zucchini Spice Bread?
Store your zucchini spice bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, you may want to start with a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose to maintain a lighter texture. If using all whole wheat flour, expect a denser bread, but it will still be packed with flavor!
