Bread Machine Zucchini Bread: Complete Guide

This guide will help you create perfect zucchini bread using your bread machine, with tips for proper zucchini preparation and moisture balance.

Classic Zucchini Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375g) bread flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240g) finely shredded zucchini, well-drained
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (110°F)
• ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional)

Important Zucchini Preparation:

1. Wash and trim ends of zucchini
2. Shred using fine holes of grater
3. Place in colander and drain for 15 minutes
4. Press gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture
5. Measure after draining

Machine Instructions:

1. Add ingredients to bread pan in this order:

• Warm milk
• Eggs
• Oil
• Drained zucchini
• Flour
• Salt
• Sugar
• Spices
• Yeast (in center depression)

1. Select quick bread or cake bread setting
2. Choose light crust color
3. Add nuts at the “add ingredients” signal if using
4. Remove promptly when done

Keys to Success

Temperature Management:

• Use room temperature eggs
• Warm milk to exactly 110°F
• Keep other ingredients at room temperature

Moisture Control:

• Proper zucchini draining is crucial
• Don’t pack zucchini when measuring
• Check dough during first knead
• Adjust liquid if needed

Machine Settings:

• Use quick bread setting if available
• Alternative: use basic cycle with light crust
• Don’t use delay timer with this recipe

Storage Instructions

Fresh Storage:

• Cool completely (2-3 hours minimum)
• Store in airtight container
• Keep at room temperature 2-3 days
• Refrigerate up to 1 week

Freezer Storage:

• Wrap cooled bread tightly
• Double-wrap for freezer
• Freeze up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator

Troubleshooting Tips

Common Issues and Solutions:

Too Moist:

• Drain zucchini longer
• Reduce milk by 2 tablespoons
• Press zucchini more firmly

Too Dense:

• Check yeast freshness
• Verify liquid temperature
• Don’t pack flour when measuring

Uneven Texture:

• Follow ingredient order exactly
• Check paddle installation
• Scrape bowl during first mix

Recipe Variations

Healthy Adjustments:

• Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat
• Use honey instead of sugar
• Add ¼ cup ground flaxseed
• Substitute applesauce for oil

Flavor Additions:

• Add ½ cup raisins
• Include ½ teaspoon ginger
• Mix in ½ cup chocolate chips
• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This recipe provides the foundation for delicious zucchini bread. Remember to monitor the first mixing cycle and adjust moisture if needed for perfect results every time.