Easy Joy Of Cooking Zucchini Bread Recipe That’s Pure Comfort

Zucchini bread represents a magical culinary transformation of humble garden vegetables into a delectable treat.

Summer’s most versatile squash becomes an unexpected star in this beloved quick bread recipe.

Moist, tender, and surprisingly light, this classic comfort food bridges the gap between healthy ingredients and pure indulgence.

Subtle vegetable undertones merge seamlessly with warm spices and sweet nuances, creating a complex flavor profile that surprises and delights.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients can produce such an impressive result, turning ordinary afternoons into memorable moments.

Fragrant spices and rich textures invite conversation and connection around the kitchen table.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of nutrition and pleasure, offering both comfort and excitement: grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake!

Reasons to Love Zucchini Bread

• Savor Unexpected Veggie Sweetness: This zucchini bread transforms an ordinary vegetable into a delightful dessert, offering a sneaky way to enjoy nutritious zucchini wrapped in a deliciously moist cake-like texture.
• Craft Effortless Bakery Magic: With simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, even novice bakers can create a professional-looking bread that impresses family and friends without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Elevate Comfort with Warm Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted nuts creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen and delivers a comforting flavor profile perfect for cozy afternoons or breakfast treats.

What’s In Zucchini Bread

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the bread, all-purpose flour works best.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agents for bread rise and texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and aroma to the bread.

• Zucchini, Apple: Fresh vegetables that add moisture and subtle sweetness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds rich, complex flavor to the bread.

• Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts that provide crunch and nutty flavor.
• Coconut: Adds texture and subtle tropical sweetness.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor.

Zucchini Bread Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Adjust oven rack to center position. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x5x3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. Grease pan with butter or nonstick vegetable spray.

Step 2: Toast and Chop Nuts

Toast pecans or walnuts until fragrant and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Allow to cool, then coarsely chop.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

Grate zucchini using a medium grater. Peel and grate apple.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon powder
• Nutmeg
• Ground cinnamon

Step 5: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix for about 1 minute until thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Combine Batter

• Grated zucchini
• Grated apple
• Dry ingredient mixture

Mix until just combined

• Coconut
• Chopped nuts

Step 7: Bake Bread

Transfer batter to prepared pan. Smooth top with offset spatula or back of a spoon. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Bread

Remove bread from oven. Let cool on wire rack for 15 minutes before removing from pan.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Mix until smooth and lump-free.

Step 10: Finish Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until well combined and creamy.

Step 11: Decorate

Once bread is completely cool, drizzle or spread cream cheese frosting on top. Slice and serve.

Expert Advice on Zucchini Bread

• Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels to match your personal flavor preference, creating a bread that's perfectly tailored to your taste buds.
• Boost Texture Adventure: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit to transform the ordinary zucchini bread into an exciting culinary experience.
• Maximize Moisture Control: Squeeze out excess liquid from shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel, preventing a soggy, disappointing loaf.
• Elevate Crunch Factor: Toast nuts before adding them to introduce a deeper, more intense nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Play with Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nut types or spice combinations to make the recipe uniquely yours.

Zucchini Bread Storage Tips

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by vacuum sealing individual slices or the entire loaf. This method prevents freezer burn and preserves moisture, keeping your zucchini bread tasting just-baked for up to 4 months. Works best with a home vacuum sealing machine.
• Room Temperature Trick: Store bread in an airtight ceramic container with a silicone seal, placing a slice of bread or apple inside to maintain moisture. This technique prevents drying and extends shelf life to 5-7 days without refrigeration. Perfect for kitchen countertops away from direct sunlight.
• Smart Slice Separation: Layer wax paper between zucchini bread slices before freezing to prevent sticking. Wrap the separated slices in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag.

Twists on Zucchini Bread

• Chocolate Chip Champion: Fold in 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, sweet upgrade that complements the zucchini's moisture.
• Tropical Paradise Loaf: Replace coconut with macadamia nuts and add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple, drained, for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile that brings sunny brightness.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Swap half the oil with applesauce, increase ground cinnamon to 2 teaspoons, and add 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves for a cozy, warm seasonal version that tastes like fall.
• Gluten-Free Garden Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender texture while making the recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

Reviewing Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread emerges as culinary magic, blending garden-fresh produce with nostalgic comfort.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchen spaces, promising delightful moments of indulgence.

Homemade goodness mingles with carefully balanced spices, creating sensory experiences beyond simple baking.

Nutty pecans add delectable crunch while apple and zucchini ensure moist, tender crumbs.

Cream cheese frosting transforms this quick bread into celebration-worthy dessert.

Baking memories sparkle with each slice shared among friends and family – share this recipe, comment below, and spread deliciousness far and wide!

Joy Of Cooking Zucchini Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zucchini bread brings comfort and nostalgia from classic American kitchens. Moist crumbs packed with warm spices and garden-fresh zucchini create a delightful slice of homemade happiness you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (135 grams) shredded raw zucchini (courgette)
• ½ cup (60 grams) grated raw apple
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar
• 2 large (100 grams) eggs

Nuts and Add-ins:

• ½ cup (50 grams) pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup (25 grams) dried shredded or flaked coconut
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Leavening and Binding Agents:

• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) salt
• ½ cup (120 ml/grams) flavorless oil
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (55 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) confectioner sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2 grams) pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
2. Prepare a 9x5x3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 centimeters) loaf pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and thoroughly greasing with butter or non-stick vegetable spray.
3. Carefully toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 6-8 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then coarsely chop.
4. Wash and grate the zucchini using a medium-sized grater, then peel and grate the apple, ensuring excess moisture is removed.
5. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Using an electric stand mixer with paddle attachment, vigorously blend vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated, approximately 45-60 seconds.
7. Gently fold shredded zucchini and apple into the wet mixture, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until just combined.
8. Carefully mix in shredded coconut and chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
9. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly with an offset spatula or back of a spoon.
10. Bake for 60-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter.
11. Remove from oven and allow bread to rest in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
12. For cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
13. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to mix until fully integrated, then incorporate vanilla extract for additional flavor.
14. Once bread has cooled completely, drizzle or spread cream cheese frosting over the top as desired.

Notes

• Drain zucchini thoroughly by squeezing out water using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread texture.
• Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for enhanced crunch and depth of flavor.
• Adjust sugar levels based on personal preference, knowing less sugar creates a more subtle sweetness.
• Mix in dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for unexpected bursts of flavor and interesting texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg