Zucchini bread is a delightful treat that combines the moistness of bread with the subtle sweetness of zucchini. It's a great way to use up surplus zucchini from your garden or local market, and it's loved by both kids and adults alike. The bread is typically flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, which give it a warm, comforting aroma. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, zucchini bread is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium-sized zucchinis)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash and dry the zucchinis.
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander over a bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture with your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly.
- Add the vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini and chopped nuts or chocolate chips (if using). Be careful not to overmix.
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Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pans from the oven and let the zucchini bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Making Perfect Zucchini Bread:
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Zucchini Moisture: It's important to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
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Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra flavor.
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Oil Substitution: You can use vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or even applesauce as a healthier alternative.
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Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins are great additions to zucchini bread. You can also add shredded coconut or dried cranberries for variation.
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Storage: Zucchini bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Zucchini bread is a versatile and delicious baked good that's easy to make at home. With its moist texture, subtle sweetness, and warm spices, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added nuts or chocolate chips, zucchini bread is a delightful treat that's perfect for any time of day. So the next time you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini, give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade zucchini bread!