This foolproof zucchini bread recipe creates an incredibly moist, perfectly spiced loaf that will become your go-to recipe. Perfect for using up summer zucchini!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 2-3 medium zucchini)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional mix-ins: 1 cup chopped walnuts or 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans and line with parchment paper
- Grate zucchini using large holes of box grater (no need to peel)
- Let grated zucchini sit in its juice – don’t squeeze out moisture
Mixing the Batter
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs until light
- Add oil, vanilla, and both sugars
- Mix until well combined and slightly thickened
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Combine & Finish
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients
- Stir until just combined (don’t overmix)
- Fold in zucchini and optional mix-ins
- Divide batter between prepared pans
Baking
- Bake 50-60 minutes
- Check at 45 minutes with toothpick
- Bread is done when toothpick has a few moist crumbs
- Cool in pans 15 minutes
- Remove from pans and cool completely on wire rack
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Moisture
- Brown sugar adds moisture and flavor
- Oil keeps bread moist longer than butter
- Don’t squeeze zucchini dry – its moisture is key
- Ideal Texture
- Lower baking temperature for even baking
- Perfect ratio of wet to dry ingredients
- Just enough leavening for proper rise
- Enhanced Flavor
- Brown sugar adds caramel notes
- Extra vanilla enriches taste
- Perfect blend of spices
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Up to 3 days wrapped in plastic
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 3 months, double-wrapped
- Always cool completely before storing
Variations
Chocolate Lovers
- Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- Reduce flour by 1/2 cup
- Add 1 cup chocolate chips
Healthier Version
- Replace half oil with applesauce
- Use 1/2 whole wheat flour
- Reduce total sugar to 1 1/2 cups
Spice Lover’s Version
- Double the cinnamon
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Pro Tips
- For Perfect Results
- Use room temperature eggs
- Don’t overmix the batter
- Let ingredients fully incorporate
- Zucchini Tips
- Use fresh, firm zucchini
- Include skin for color and nutrition
- Pat very lightly if extremely wet
- Testing Doneness
- Look for golden brown top
- Slight crack on top is normal
- A few moist crumbs on toothpick is perfect