Description
This classic zucchini bread recipe is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with freshly grated zucchini, spices, and a blend of sugars for sweetness, it yields a tender loaf with a hint of cinnamon. The use of applesauce and oil keeps it moist without being heavy.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (lightly packed, do not drain liquid)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the grated zucchini, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until thoroughly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir gently until just combined and no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50 to 54 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Store and Serve: Cover and store the bread in the refrigerator. For best flavor and texture, serve after refrigerating for at least 12 hours.
Notes
- Do not drain the grated zucchini liquid; it adds moisture to the bread.
- For variation, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Using applesauce reduces the amount of oil needed, making the bread moist but lighter.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
- Serving size is about one medium slice.
