Buttery Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread Recipe

Zucchini bread magically transforms humble garden vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that dances on your taste buds.

This moist, aromatic loaf packs a surprising punch of flavor and nutrition in every delectable slice.

Warm spices whisper through the tender crumb, creating a symphony of comfort and delight.

Unexpected and ingenious, the recipe turns ordinary zucchini into a spectacular baked treasure that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this bread bridges the gap between health-conscious eating and pure indulgence.

Effortless to make and impossible to resist, the recipe promises a sensory journey from first mix to final bite.

Grab those fresh zucchinis and get ready to fall in love with baking magic!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 278 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Included in Barefoot Contessa’s Zucchini Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Opt for fresh, sifted flour to ensure a light, tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Choose pure, fine sugar for even sweetness distribution.
• Baking Soda: Select fresh, active baking soda for proper rising.
• Ground Cinnamon: Use high-quality, fragrant cinnamon for warm, rich flavor.
• Salt: Pick fine table salt for balanced seasoning.

• Eggs: Select large, fresh eggs at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Vegetable Oil: Choose neutral-flavored oil like canola for moist texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for deep, authentic flavor.

• Zucchini: Select firm, fresh zucchini without soft spots or blemishes.
• Walnuts: Pick crisp, whole walnuts for satisfying crunch and nutty depth.

Tools for Baking Barefoot Contessa’s Zucchini Bread

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients with a smooth, even blend.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients and creating a rich, creamy base.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and ensuring no lumps remain.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Loaf pans (8×4 inches): Two standard pans for creating classic zucchini bread shape.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy bread removal and prevents sticking.
• Wire rack: Ideal for cooling bread evenly and preventing soggy bottoms.
• Toothpick: Handy for checking bread doneness by testing the center.
• Vegetable grater: Perfect for shredding fresh zucchini into fine, moist pieces.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently without overmixing the batter.

Instructions for Barefoot Contessa’s Zucchini Bread Recipe

• Prep the Kitchen Playground

Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F and dress two loaf pans with parchment paper, creating a non-stick wonderland for your zucchini bread adventure.

• Dance With Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these buddies until they’re perfectly mingled and smooth.

• Unleash Wet Ingredient Magic

Crack eggs into a large bowl and beat them into silky submission. Splash in grated zucchini, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir with enthusiasm until everything looks harmonious.

• Create Bread Batter Bliss

Pour dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Sprinkle in crunchy walnuts. Fold everything together gently – treat the batter like a delicate dance partner, avoiding rough moves.

• Bake and Transform

Divide the batter between prepared pans. Send them into the oven’s warm embrace for 50-60 minutes. Your bread is ready when a toothpick emerges clean after a quick probe.

• Cool and Celebrate

Rescue the golden loaves from the oven. Let them rest in pans for five minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice when completely cool and enjoy your homemade treasure.

Flavor Tips for Barefoot Contessa’s Zucchini Bread

• Boost Moisture Magic: Add a secret splash of applesauce or Greek yogurt to keep your zucchini bread incredibly soft and tender without changing the core recipe.
• Nutty Nutrition Boost: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or pistachios to add unique crunch and nutritional variety to your bread.
• Spice Adventure: Enhance flavor complexity by introducing ground nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a warm, unexpected taste profile that complements the zucchini's natural sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing delicious texture.

Serving Ideas for Barefoot Contessa’s Zucchini Bread

• Serve Fresh and Warm: Cut thick slices while bread is slightly warm to enjoy maximum flavor and soft texture. The bread's comforting aroma will fill your kitchen with delightful scents.
• Pair with Creamy Spreads: Top each slice with softened cream cheese, butter, or honey for an extra indulgent treat. These rich additions complement the zucchini bread's subtle sweetness perfectly.
• Create Breakfast Delight: Transform slices into a morning meal by serving alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit. This hearty bread provides excellent energy to start your day with a smile.
• Gift to Loved Ones: Wrap cooled loaves in decorative parchment paper for a homemade present. Friends and family will appreciate this delicious, handcrafted zucchini bread as a thoughtful gesture.

Storage Advice for Barefoot Contessa’s Zucchini Bread

• Store Smartly: Keep zucchini bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal freshness and softness.
• Refrigerate for Extended Life: Prolong bread's shelf life by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring moisture retention and preventing staleness.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice bread before freezing, then wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap and place inside a sealed freezer bag. Frozen zucchini bread stays delicious for 2-3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen bread at room temperature or gently warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its original soft texture and delightful aroma.

Moist Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa zucchini bread emerges as a delightful Southern classic with sweet nutmeg undertones. Moist crumbs and warm spices invite home bakers to savor each rich, comforting slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (300 g) grated zucchini
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped walnuts
• 2 tsps (10 g) baking soda
• 1 tbsp (7 g) cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously coat two 8×4 inch loaf pans with grease and line with parchment paper to guarantee effortless bread removal.
2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of dry components.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until slightly aerated, then integrate grated zucchini, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, creating a harmonious mixture.
4. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, avoiding overmixing. Gently incorporate walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Pan Filling: Evenly distribute the zucchini batter between prepared pans, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create a level landscape.
6. Baking Process: Position pans in a preheated 350°F oven, rotating midway through the 55-65 minute baking cycle to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
7. Doneness Verification: Conduct a toothpick test by inserting into the loaf’s center; a clean extraction indicates complete baking.
8. Cooling Protocol: Allow bread to rest in pans for 10 minutes, facilitating structural stabilization, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing.

Notes

• Prevent Over-Mixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a tender, soft bread texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Moisture Management: Fresh zucchini contains high water content, so squeeze out excess liquid before adding to prevent soggy bread and ensure proper baking.
• Nut Distribution Technique: Coat chopped walnuts lightly in flour before folding to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the bread.
• Cooling Critical Step: Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes and cool completely on wire rack to help bread set and slice cleanly without crumbling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 278
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 205 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg