There’s just something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, don’t you think? My easy zucchini bread is one of those recipes that brings a smile to my face every time I make it. It’s moist, flavorful, and oh-so-simple to whip up, making it the perfect addition to breakfast or a delightful snack any time of day. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will fit seamlessly into your routine. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one on repeat!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups grated zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before measuring. This helps keep your bread from getting soggy!
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base that gives the bread structure. No need to sift—just measure and go!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely moist texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: You can also use melted coconut oil for a different flavor. This keeps the bread tender!
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your main leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just a little extra lift to keep your bread light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This adds a warm, cozy spice that makes every bite feel like a hug.
How to Prepare Easy Zucchini Bread
Making my easy zucchini bread is a breeze, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy.
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps your bread rise just right. While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent your bread from sticking, making it easy to slice once it’s baked!
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. I like to use a fork to mash things together a bit, which helps break up the zucchini. Then, crack in the two large eggs and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Trust me, this step is where the magic begins, and the aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread, ensuring every bite is perfectly flavored. Don’t skip this part; it’s key for a light and fluffy texture!
Combine and Bake
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if a few small lumps remain. Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell incredible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful: Every slice is packed with deliciousness, thanks to the zucchini keeping it tender.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making this a go-to recipe!
- Perfect for breakfast or snacks: Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, or slice it up for an afternoon treat.
- Versatile with add-ins: Feel free to toss in some nuts or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost!
- Quick baking time: You can have this delightful bread ready in no time—perfect for those busy days!
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy zucchini bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini; this keeps the bread from getting soggy. If you want to experiment, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. When mixing, be gentle—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so just stir until the ingredients are combined. If your oven runs hot, check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes—you want that golden-brown crust!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious easy zucchini bread, simply place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, making it perfect for snacking throughout the week! If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, and you’ll have that cozy, fresh-baked taste all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour? Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
What can I add to enhance flavor? Oh, there are so many options! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to give your easy zucchini bread an extra kick. Spices like nutmeg or allspice can also add warmth and depth.
How do I know when the bread is done? The best way to test for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready! Remember, a little bit of moisture is okay, but you don’t want it to be wet!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided a general idea of the nutrition per slice, it’s not exact. Always feel free to check the labels on your ingredients for precise information. Enjoy this easy zucchini bread guilt-free, knowing you’re getting a tasty treat packed with flavor!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries for a healthy twist!
Print
Easy Zucchini Bread: 5 Simple Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy zucchini bread is moist and flavorful, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the grated zucchini, sugar, and oil.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- This bread can be frozen for later use.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy zucchini bread, zucchini recipes, quick bread
