Sweet Slice: Pioneer Woman Zucchini Bread Recipe

Zucchini bread transforms ordinary garden harvests into a sweet, irresistible treat that beckons home bakers with its moist, tender crumb and enticing aroma.

Skilled cooks know this quick bread brings magical alchemy to surplus vegetables, turning green abundance into a delectable morning companion.

Warm spices and rich chocolate chips elevate the humble squash into a luxurious baked indulgence that surprises and delights unexpected taste buds.

Perfectly balanced between wholesome and decadent, this recipe marries nutritious ingredients with classic comfort food charm.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and subtle vegetable undertones that captivate every slice.

Home kitchens become sanctuaries of culinary creativity when zucchini bread emerges golden and fragrant from the oven.

Zucchini Bread with Classic Charm

• Effortless Garden-to-Table Delight: Transform fresh zucchini into a mouthwatering bread that celebrates seasonal produce with minimal kitchen effort.
• Texture-Rich Chocolate Surprise: Enjoy the perfect balance of moist, tender bread studded with melty chocolate chips, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Quick Weekend Baking Triumph: Whip up this foolproof recipe in just over an hour, making it an ideal stress-free baking project for lazy weekends or spontaneous treat cravings.

Zucchini Bread Ingredient Lineup

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and texture of the zucchini bread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes the acidity and assists in browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy undertones to the bread.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient for extra sweetness and texture.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and subtle green color to the bread.

• Coarse Sugar: Creates a crunchy, sweet top layer for the bread.

Steps to Bake Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Gently stir in chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Fold in 1 freshly shredded zucchini until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Batter

Carefully fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined – don’t go crazy with the mixing! You want your bread to stay tender and soft.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for a delightful crunch. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to settle down. Then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Tips That Make Zucchini Bread Better

• Fold with Care: Stir ingredients using a gentle, sweeping motion to preserve air pockets and ensure a soft, delicate texture.
• Test Precision: Poke a toothpick through the bread's center around 55 minutes. A clean or slightly crumby pick signals perfect doneness.
• Rest and Release: Give the bread a 10-minute pan break, then slide onto a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing.
• Moisture Magic: Store wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed container to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
• Freezer Friendly: Slice bread, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze up to three months for quick future treats.

Storing Zucchini Bread Right

Vacuum Seal: Press out all air and seal the zucchini bread in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain maximum moisture. This method preserves freshness for up to 4 months, keeping the bread’s texture perfectly intact.

Room Temperature Preservation: Store the cooled bread in a sealed container with a slice of bread to prevent drying. The added bread slice releases moisture, maintaining the zucchini bread’s soft and tender crumb for 2-3 days at room temperature.

Individual Slice Freezing: Slice the bread before freezing, then wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. This technique allows you to thaw and enjoy single servings without defrosting the entire loaf, providing convenient and quick access to your favorite treat.

Zucchini Bread Variations to Try

• Nutty Crunch Zucchini Bread: Replace chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and rich, earthy flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their natural oils and deepen their taste.
• Lemon Herb Zucchini Bread: Add fresh lemon zest and finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the batter for a bright, aromatic profile. Reduce vanilla extract by half to let the herb notes shine through.
• Spiced Autumn Zucchini Bread: Incorporate ground nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves alongside the cinnamon. Swap brown sugar with dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones and more complex sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add one teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same for a similar texture and taste.

Zucchini Bread in Review

Zucchini bread emerges as culinary magic from unexpected garden bounty, transforming humble vegetables into sweet comfort.

Chocolate-flecked slices promise delightful surprises with each tender bite.

Homemade warmth radiates through Pioneer Woman’s cherished recipe, connecting generations of bakers.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in perfect harmony, creating memories beyond mere sustenance.

Rich flavors tell stories of summer gardens and family kitchens.

Passionate bakers will discover pure joy nestled within this simple yet profound recipe – ready to delight, inspire, share, comment, and spread deliciousness across social platforms with excitement and love.

Pioneer Woman Zucchini Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman zucchini bread delivers rustic Southern comfort with wholesome garden-fresh zucchini and warm cinnamon spices. Sweet loaf lovers will savor this moist quick bread that pairs perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups packed shredded zucchini
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (219 grams) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110 grams) packed light brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup (128 grams) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping)

Wet Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with a thin layer of butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create the dry ingredient blend by whisking together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Gently fold in the chocolate chips if desired, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. In a separate large bowl, craft the wet ingredient mixture by vigorously whisking eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract until the combination becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
4. Incorporate the freshly grated zucchini into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to integrate the vegetable thoroughly and create a uniform texture.
5. Merge the dry and wet ingredients by slowly folding them together, using gentle strokes to combine. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just incorporated to maintain the bread’s delicate structure.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle a layer of coarse sugar across the top for a delightful crunchy texture.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
8. Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Toss leftover zucchini bread into a breakfast parfait or crumble over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert transformation.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper for quick grab-and-go morning meals during busy weeks.
• Swap out chocolate chips with nuts like pecans or walnuts to create different flavor profiles and add extra crunch.
• Grated zucchini helps maintain moisture while disguising vegetables in a sweet, irresistible baked treat.
• Versatile enough to serve at brunches, potlucks, or as a comforting homemade gift for neighbors and friends.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg