Alton brown Zucchini Bread Recipe

Easy Alton Brown Zucchini Bread Recipe: Perfect Morning Treat

Zucchini bread transforms humble vegetables into a delightful culinary experience that surprises many home bakers.

This unexpected quick bread captures the magic of garden-fresh ingredients blended with warm, comforting spices.

Rich moisture seeps through each tender crumb, creating a sensational treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Hearty zucchini provides natural sweetness and unexpected depth to this classic quick bread recipe.

Subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the vegetable’s mild flavor, resulting in a balanced and irresistible baked good.

Most bakers appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Your kitchen will soon fill with an intoxicating aroma that beckons everyone to the table: Get ready for a slice of pure comfort.

Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bread

  • Maximize Moisture: Grate zucchini and let it sit in a colander, allowing excess water to drain for a perfectly textured bread.
  • Select Seasonal Squash: Choose young, tender zucchini with smooth, unblemished skin for the most delicate flavor and texture.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pat grated zucchini dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture that could make your bread dense.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast nuts lightly before adding to the batter to enhance their natural richness and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Customize with Confidence: Experiment with spices like cardamom or swap chocolate chips for dried fruit to make the recipe uniquely yours.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread

  • Freezer Method: Seal zucchini bread tightly in freezer-safe bags after wrapping in plastic wrap. Protect against freezer burn by removing excess air. Enjoy delicious bread up to 3 months later by thawing slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Refrigerator Method: Store bread in airtight containers to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Keep fresh for up to one week by placing slices in a sealed plastic container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Counter Storage Method: Preserve bread's softness by covering with plastic wrap or placing in a bread box. Keep at room temperature for 3-4 days maximum. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that might accelerate staleness.

Delicious Variations of Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread

  • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Delight: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, indulgent version that adds rich chocolate flavor to the classic zucchini bread.
  • Lemon Zest Zucchini Bread: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon zest into the wet ingredients for a bright, citrusy kick that complements the zucchini's mild taste.
  • Spiced Carrot Zucchini Fusion: Replace half the zucchini with grated carrots and add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic bread with extra vegetable goodness.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Zucchini Loaf: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 cup of ground almonds for a nutty, tender alternative that's perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.

A Moist, Sweet Treat: Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread emerges as culinary magic, bridging garden freshness with comforting sweetness.

Alton Brown’s recipe transforms humble vegetables into a masterpiece of homestyle baking.

Nutty walnuts add delightful crunch, while warm cinnamon whispers nostalgic memories.

Moist crumb and rich flavor create an irresistible slice of pure pleasure.

Kitchen aromas promise delectable moments waiting to unfold.

Regional ingredients spark connection, inviting you to savor each delicious bite, share enthusiastic comments, spread delightful recipe love across social platforms, and celebrate homemade goodness.

What Makes Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread Moist and Flavorful

What Makes Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread Moist and Flavorful
  • Savor Moist Zucchini Magic: This bread delivers incredible moisture from fresh zucchini, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every delightful bite.
  • Master Easy Baking Brilliance: Alton Brown's straightforward recipe makes baking homemade bread a breeze, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen equipment for guaranteed success.
  • Enjoy Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Packed with zucchini and walnuts, this bread offers a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables and healthy fats into a deliciously sweet treat that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
  • Celebrate Versatile Snacking Potential: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a quick dessert, this zucchini bread works wonderfully as a make-ahead option that stays fresh for several days and satisfies multiple cravings.

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base for the bread's structure and texture, neutral flavor works best.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and classic sweet flavor to the bread.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture to the bread.
  • Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender, creates soft texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor.
  • Zucchini: Provides moisture, subtle vegetable flavor, and nutritional value.
Mix-In Ingredient:
  • Walnuts: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and extra protein to the bread.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread

How to Make Alton Brown’s Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 loaf pans (8×4 inches) with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking soda

Whisk ingredients until thoroughly mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Gently fold in:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Grated zucchini

Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Add chopped walnuts and mix minimally to prevent overmixing.

Step 5: Bake Zucchini Bread

Divide batter equally between prepared loaf pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to rest in pans for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Alton brown Zucchini Bread Recipe

Alton brown Zucchini Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Alton Brown’s zucchini bread combines rich, moist textures with classic southern baking charm. Garden-fresh zucchini blends seamlessly with warm spices, creating a delightful quick bread perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (300 g) zucchini grated/shredded
  • 3 large eggs

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) walnuts chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line two 8 x 4-inch (20 x 10-centimeter) loaf pans with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground cinnamon, kosher salt, granulated sugar, baking soda, and all-purpose flour using a whisk until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and lump-free.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, gently beat the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy. Gradually incorporate vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, and freshly grated zucchini, stirring until the mixture appears uniform and glossy.
  4. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using a spatula to create a harmonious batter. Gently stir in chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without overmixing.
  5. Divide the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to create an even surface.
  6. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge with minimal, fine crumbs.
  7. Remove the pans from the oven and allow the zucchini bread to rest inside for 5 minutes, which helps the loaves set and prevents crumbling.
  8. Carefully transfer the loaves to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Grab fresh zucchini that’s small to medium for the best moisture and texture without excess water.
  • Grate vegetables using the large holes of a box grater to maintain natural texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Pat shredded zucchini with paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring a perfectly moist bread.
  • Combine dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute leavening agents and prevent clumping during mixing.
  • Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined, stopping when the batter looks slightly lumpy to keep bread tender.
  • Check doneness early by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let bread cool completely in the pan for easier removal and to help set the structure.
  • Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freeze individual slices between parchment paper for quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack options.
  • Customize by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or swapping some flour with whole wheat for extra nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 6.3 g
  • Sodium: 0.1 g
  • Fat: 8.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29.2 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 3.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star