Best zucchini bread recipes: largest zucchini

If you’ve been staring at the giant zucchini from your backyard garden (you know, the one that could double as a baseball bat), this is *the* recipe for you. Our Best Zucchini Bread Recipe turns your overgrown zucchini into a moist, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying treat. It’s a fresh take on a classic, with hints of cinnamon and an easy-to-follow method that anyone can master. Plus, it’s a perfect way to sneak some veggies into your day without even noticing!

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About The Best zucchini bread recipes: largest zucchini Recipe

So, you’ve successfully grown a thriving garden or hit the jackpot at the local farmers’ market, and now you’re looking at what might be the biggest zucchini you’ve ever seen. That’s where this Best Zucchini Bread Recipe steps in—your hero for the oversize squash dilemma! Zucchini bread is one of those comforting treats that toes the line between indulgence and wholesome goodness. With its cozy cinnamon flavor, soft texture, and sneaky vegetable boost, it’s a win-win for everyone in the family. Historically, zucchini bread gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1960s and ’70s (the era of home gardening and food preservation). It’s stood the test of time for a reason—it’s delicious! Whether you’re baking to use up your garden haul, prepping snacks for a busy school week, or just craving that nostalgic, homemade taste, this recipe hits all the right notes. Set aside your zucchini anxieties—this recipe is so forgiving, it’s almost foolproof. And spoiler alert: It’s not just for breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for using gigantic zucchinis from your garden
  • Moist and flavorful with a hint of cinnamon
  • Beginner-friendly instructions
  • Kid-approved treat (great for lunchboxes!)
  • Can be made ahead and freezes beautifully
  • A sneaky way to add vegetables into your diet

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Zucchini: The star of the show! Make sure to grate it finely or coarsely depending on your texture preference. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or even summer squash will work.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour does the trick here, but whole wheat or a half-and-half mix works if you want to feel extra healthy.
  • Sugar: Both white and brown sugar bring sweetness and moisture. You can experiment with coconut sugar or honey if you’d like.
  • Eggs: These help bind everything together. Need a substitute? Try flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option.
  • Cinnamon & Vanilla: For that classic cozy flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for a little extra spice.
  • Oil: Vegetable oil keeps this bread ultra-moist. Applesauce is a great sub if you’re cutting back on fat.
  • Optional Adds: Toss in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit if you want to kick it up a notch.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan to prep for baking. Trust us, greasing is key so your bread doesn’t stick!
  • Step 2: Shred the zucchini using a box grater. You’ll want about 1-2 cups, depending on how moist you’d like your bread.
  • Step 3: In one bowl, combine dry ingredients like flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt (yes, it helps pop the flavors!).
  • Step 4: In another bowl, whisk your wet ingredients—sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.
  • Step 5: Fold the dry and wet ingredients together gently (don’t overmix). Then stir in shredded zucchini and any optional goodies!
  • Step 6: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top so it bakes evenly.
  • Step 7: Bake for about 50-60 minutes. Use the toothpick test—if it comes out clean, you’re golden!
  • Step 8: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or save for later!

Expert Tips for Success

Don’t peel the zucchini; the skin melts right in and adds color.
Make sure to blot the shredded zucchini if it seems too wet. Nobody wants soggy bread.
Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Always let the bread cool completely before storing (if you manage to not eat it all!).

Variations and Customizations

This zucchini bread is super versatile! Swap out some of the white flour for whole wheat to make a healthier version. Add chocolate chips for a dessert-worthy treat, or mix in walnuts and raisins for a more traditional flavor. You can even try adding a crumble topping with brown sugar and oats for a bakery-style twist. For a lower-sugar option, reduce the sugar slightly and toss in some mashed banana for sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Zucchini bread is sneaky healthy! One serving (about a slice, depending on how you cut it) can range from 150-200 calories. You’ll get a decent dose of fiber from the zucchini and a mix of carbs and fats from the flour, sugar, and oil. If you add in extras like nuts, you’re also bumping up the protein and healthy fats. For anyone monitoring sugar, this recipe can be adjusted with substitutes like honey or coconut sugar for a milder sweet taste.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store your zucchini bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to 2 days but can last up to a week if stored in the fridge. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer—individually slice and wrap pieces for grab-and-go convenience. To reheat, just microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds, or let it defrost naturally for a few hours.

Recipe Card of Best zucchini bread recipes: largest zucchini

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Melissa Taylor
Transform your zucchini surplus into this scrumptious, soft loaf that even the kids will crave for seconds. It's so tasty, you won't believe it's made with veggies!
Zucchini Bread by Jenn Segal
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 302 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups grated zucchini (you'll need two medium zucchinis; do not wring out the liquid)
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) sticks unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts lightly toasted if desired (optional; see note)
  • 1/2 cup currants or raisins (optional; see note)
Best zucchini bread recipes: largest zucchini recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and position a rack in the middle. Then, generously grease two 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine it all.
  • In a separate, larger bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar. Add the grated zucchini, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together using a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula.
  • Combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients until just blended. Add in nuts and currants, divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted comes out clean. Allow the pans to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then turn the loaves out onto the rack to cool completely.
  • Note: You can also mix in some chocolate chips for this bread. Typically, about 1 cup instead of nuts and currants. Ensure the total add-ins do not exceed 1½ cups.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: You can store the bread in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once completely cooled, wrap it securely in aluminum foil, freezer wrap, or place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack, this zucchini bread features a blend of flavors, from nuts to optional chocolate chips, ensuring every slice is deliciously unique. Enjoy it warm or toasted with a slather of butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 252mgSodium: 65mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23g
Keyword baking, bread, zucchini
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All Your Questions About This Recipe

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it first. Frozen zucchini releases a lot of water and can make your batter too runny!

What’s the best way to shred zucchini?

A box grater works great, but you can also use a food processor for faster results. No need to peel the skin.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute and test it—it should work like a charm.

Can I leave out the cinnamon?

Sure thing! If cinnamon’s not your thing, just skip it or sub with a different spice like nutmeg or cardamom.

Why didn’t my zucchini bread rise?

Make sure your baking soda is fresh and you didn’t overmix the batter. These are the most common culprits!

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