The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe (2024)

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The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe (1)The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe

I’ve tried A LOT of zucchini bread recipes in my day, and I mean A LOT! By far and away, this recipe is the best one I’ve ever made. It’s fantastic! If you’re looking for more ways to use up zucchini, try this deliciousChocolate Zucchini Sheet Cake.

The BEST Zucchini Bread is the kind that gets better with age. The first day it is good, but the second and third day it is AMAZING! (Note: It must be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.) The outside edges become soft, and the moisture from the zucchini has had longer to do its magic. I have no self-control when itgets to that point. I have been known to eat an entire giant loaf myself. Yikes!

**IF YOU END UP MAKING THIS RECIPE AND LOVING IT, PROMISE ME YOU WILL COME BACK AND TRY THIS AMISH BANANA BREAD…IT IS THE SAME LEVEL OF ABSOLUTE DELICIOUSNESS!

More Delicious Bread Recipes

  • Amish Banana Bread
  • The Best Pumpkin Bread
  • Perfect Artisan Bread
  • Mom’s Corn Bread
  • Jalapeno Cheddar Bread
  • Poppy Seed Bread

The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe (2)I first had this bread at a friend’s house and literally begged for the recipe. I was anxious to see what made it so different from my go-to recipe my mom has made for years. My friend e-mailed me the recipe. When I got it, I was shocked at how similar the recipe was to my mom’s. BUT they tasted so different.

The only differences between this recipe and my mom’s recipe are an extra 1/4 cup of sugar and baking it at 325° instead of 350°.

how to make the best zucchini bread

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Prepare two 8×4 loaf pans with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a mixer or with a whisk and a strong arm, combine sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
  • Add flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Mix until almost combined.
  • Add shredded zucchini. Mix until combined.
  • Pour evenly into greased loaf pans no higher than 2/3 full.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 45-55 minutes, being careful not to over-bake.
  • Remove from oven and cool on cooling racks. See FAQ on when to remove loaves from pans.
  • After completely cooled, store in a Ziploc bag or airtight container.

The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe (3)I can’t believe those two changes make such a difference. I like my mom’s recipe, but this bread….this delicious bread……I have to be so careful about how often I make The BEST Zucchini Bread. If I were to make it as often as I crave it, I’d be at least three times my size….

There are days thatI think the extra weight would be worth it. 🙂Just wait until you taste it; you’ll feel the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions about making The Best Zucchini Bread

what type of bread pans should I use?

I like to use my 8×4 stone loaf pans from Pampered Chef. I also love these Kitchenaid ones you can order on Amazon.Depending on the size of your pans, you may need a third loaf pan. Never fill a loaf pan higher than 2/3 full. When using a different-sized loaf pan, check the bread after 30-45 minutes and so on, until a toothpick comes out clean in the center.

should I mix the dry ingredients altogether before adding them to the wet mixture?

You can mix them in a separate bowl first if you want…I never do. I don’t see a difference in results either way, and I hate having extra dishes to clean. 🙂

when should i remove the bread from the pans to cool?

Because I use stone loaf pans, I remove the bread from the pan immediately. Stone loaf pans stay hot for quite some time. It can be tricky to get the loaves out without damaging them or half still in the bottom of the pan. Use your judgment on whether or not you want to leave them in the pan to cool or not.

can i use frozen zucchini?

Yes. First, let the frozen zucchini thaw. Then, dump it all in–liquid and all.

why is the top center of the loaf doughy?

Because it’s important not to over-bake this bread, occasionally the very top center section of the loaf is a little under-baked and a tad doughy. If/when this happens, just cut that little section off and carry on with the binge eating… Believe me! It is a small price to pay.

BAKER’S TOOLS:

More Awesome Zucchini Recipes

Chocolate Zucchini MuffinsZucchini Cheese BakeSausage and Zucchini Lasagna Roll-ups


4.8 from 96 reviews

The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe

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The texture of this zucchini bread is phenomenal! With a hint of cinnamon and with just the right amount of sweetness, it's perfection.

Author: My friend, Melinda

Recipe type: Quick Bread

Cuisine: Breakfast/Snack

Serves: 2 loaves

Ingredients

  • 2¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Prepare two 8x4 loaf pans with cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. In a mixer or with a whisk and a strong arm, combine sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
  4. Add flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Mix until almost combined.
  5. Add shredded zucchini. Mix until combined.
  6. Pour evenly into greased loaf pans. Fill pans no higher than ⅔ full.
  7. Bake at 325 degrees for 45-55 minutes, being careful not to over-bake.
  8. Remove from oven and cool on cooling racks. See FAQ on when to remove loaves from pans.
  9. After completely cooled, store in a Ziploc bag or airtight container.

Enjoy!

don’t forget to pin this awesome recipe to your favorite pinterest board!

More Fabulous Quick Breads

Classic Banana Bread {Mom’s Recipe}Pumpkin Chocolate Chip BreadPoppy Seed Loaf

The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you squeeze water out of zucchini for bread? ›

Squeezing is optional.

Some recipes tell you to remove extra moisture from the grated zucchini by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. But unless your zucchini is excessively juicy, squeezing the squash could be removing some of the moisture you really do want in the bread. It's up to you, though.

Do you leave the skin on zucchini when making bread? ›

Don't peel the zucchini – Yes, it's tempting to remove the zucchini's skin, but there is no need to do that. Zucchini melts into the bread, so peeling is just an unnecessary step. Do grate the zucchini – I don't know about you, but when it comes to zucchini in bread, I want it there – but I don't want to see it.

Why does my zucchini bread fall apart when I cut it? ›

The most common reason for zucchini breadand other quick breads (and cakes) to collapse as they cool is the ingredients are too vigorously or quickly mixed, which incorporates lots of less stable air bubbles into the batter.

Do you remove seeds from zucchini for bread? ›

If your zucchini is large, you should remove the seeds. By the time the zucchini has large and well formed seeds, it is tougher and the seeds are tough to eat and often taste bitter. They will not be pleasant in the zucchini bread, so it's recommended that you scoop them out before adding the flesh to the bread.

How many zucchinis is 2 cups grated? ›

A medium zucchini will result in approximately 1 cup of shredded zucchini. If you happen to be using a larger zucchini and the seeds are large, cut the zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.

How many zucchinis in a cup? ›

When sliced, 1 medium zucchiniyielded about 1 to 1.25 cups and if grated, you end up with about 2/3 cup of tamped down zucchini. If you need 1 cup of cooked sliced zucchini, due to shrinkage while heated it will take about 3 medium zucchini, sliced, to hit the mark.

How do you keep zucchini bread from falling in the middle? ›

Be sure there isn't too much liquid in your ingredients. Squeeze excess water from zucchini in several changes of paper towels. Carefully measure rhubarb or bananas to be sure the ratio of wet to dry ingredients is correct. Grease only the bottom of the pans.

How do you know when zucchini bread is done? ›

Stir in zucchini and walnuts until well combined. Pour batter into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 to 60 minutes.

What happens if you put too much baking soda in zucchini bread? ›

Baking soda is a leavening agent, which means it helps the bread rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with acids in the batter. Here's what could happen if you use too much baking soda: Bitter Taste: Excessive baking soda can leave a bitter taste in the bread.

How to grade zucchini for zucchini bread? ›

The best way to grate zucchini is whatever is fastest. If you're grating a lot of zucchini (more than two at a time), we recommend grabbing a food processor with a grating attachment. For smaller amounts, a box grater usually does the trick.

How do you grate zucchini for bread without a grater? ›

Food processor: You can use a food processor to dice the zucchini into smaller pieces. Using the grating attachment will create shreds. Cut off the ends of the zucchini, slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and then into quarters before putting it in the food processor.

Do you need to refrigerate zucchini bread? ›

Yes, it's advisable to refrigerate zucchini bread to extend its shelf life. Zucchini bread contains moisture from ingredients like zucchini, and moisture can promote the growth of mold and bacteria at room temperature. Refrigeration helps slow down these processes, keeping the bread fresher for a more extended period.

Why does my zucchini bread stick to the pan? ›

Generally, bread sticking to the pan is caused by one of two things: the coating in the pan or the temperature the bread was baked. Bread baked too hot will turn out gummy and dense, and will not have that perfect spring you are looking for.

How do you get moisture out of zucchini without salt? ›

If you don't have time to salt, there is another option. Moisture from grated zucchini can be extracted manually by simply wrapping the shredded vegetable between several layers of paper towels or a large kitchen towel and squeezing.

Why is my zucchini bread so dry? ›

The moisture that was in the zucchini was what you patted out. Freezing causes fruits and vegetables to lose moisture when thawed. Either use fresh grated zucchini or use all the liquid from the frozen.

Why doesn't my zucchini bread rise? ›

There can be several different things that can cause your zucchini bread to sink. The number one culprit is usually the way in which the bread was mixed. If the bread is mixed too much or too quickly, you incorporate air bubbles that will make the bread unstable. So stir the least amount that you can.

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