This Zucchini Spice Bread is a warm, cozy treat filled with sweet spices and grated zucchini. It’s moist, fluffy, and perfect for any time of the day!
I can’t help but sneak a slice with my morning coffee! It’s like having dessert for breakfast, and nobody’s judging! 😊
Making this bread is so easy! Just mix up the ingredients, pour it in a loaf pan, and let the oven do the magic. You’ll love the smell that fills your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the recipe, adding moisture and a faint sweetness. Use fresh, medium zucchinis for the best results. If zucchini isn’t available, you might substitute with grated carrots, though the flavor will shift a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for a healthier option, substitute with whole wheat flour. It may alter the texture slightly, making it denser, but it adds more fiber.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this bread a cozy, warm flavor. If you’re missing one, feel free to adjust by adding a little extra of another spice you have on hand, like using all cinnamon if you lack nutmeg.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars bring sweetness and moisture. You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option, and if you’re looking to cut sugar altogether, try a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, but adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
Oil: I prefer vegetable oil for its neutral flavor. You could also use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as a healthier option; it adds moisture without extra fat.
Nuts and Add-ins: Walnuts and pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to skip them for a nut-free version. Chocolate chips or raisins offer a sweet surprise; mix and match based on your taste. Dried cranberries can be a fun alternative too!
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Bread is Not Too Dense?
A common challenge in baking zucchini bread is achieving the perfect consistency. To ensure light, fluffy results, follow these tips:
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Too much moisture can make the bread dense.
- Don’t overmix when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until incorporated, and a few lumps are okay.
- Use room-temperature eggs. They mix better, helping your batter come together smoothly.
- Check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer. Ovens can vary, and baking at the right temperature is key to fluffy bread.
How to Make Zucchini Spice Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins (Optional):
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan and then for it to cool completely on a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at around 1.5 hours from start to finish—easy enough for a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with some butter or cooking spray. This ensures that your delicious bread comes out easily once it’s done baking!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a spoon or a whisk, mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be the base of your bread!
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. This mixture will add all the yummy spices and fluffiness to your bread.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry mixtures! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, you don’t want to overmix—just mix until you can’t see any more flour. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy!
5. Adding Optional Ingredients:
If you’re adding nuts or raisins/chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. These add-ins will give the bread some extra texture and flavor!
6. Pouring Into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, and use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps it bake evenly.
7. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—no wet batter should be sticking to it!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once your zucchini bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting to slice into your delightful creation!
9. Enjoy!
Once it’s cool, slice the bread and serve it up! Enjoy your warm and spiced zucchini bread with a cup of tea or coffee. Yum!
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil with Another Type of Oil?
Absolutely! You can use any light-flavored oil like canola oil or melted coconut oil. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter. Just remember to melt the butter before mixing it in!
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini Instead of Grated Zucchini?
Yes, you should grate the fresh zucchini, as larger pieces will change the texture of the bread. For best results, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel after grating to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Spice Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Omit the Nuts or Raisins?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or raisins, feel free to leave them out. You can also replace them with other mix-ins like seeds, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips if you like!
