Zucchini Bread

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Turn your zucchini bounty into tender, sweet zucchini bread—so perfectly delicious, even kids will beg for seconds!

sliced zucchini bread on platter

Looking for a delicious way to use up all that zucchini? I’ve got you covered with over a dozen zucchini recipes, from zucchini muffins and zucchini fritters to wholesome zucchini soup. But the recipe that truly takes the cake—quite literally—is this classic zucchini bread (and its decadent cousin, chocolate zucchini bread). Despite the generous portion of shredded zucchini in the batter, it magically disappears during baking, leaving you with a delicious bread that tastes more like a snack cake. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and if you have little ones around, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into their diet. Swap the nuts and currants for chocolate chips, and they’ll be none the wiser while happily asking for seconds!

“I have made zucchini bread for 50 years, using one recipe. Thank goodness I tried this one—we loved it and will never go back!”

Cindy

What You’ll Need To Make Zucchini Bread

zucchini bread ingredients
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure and forms the base of the bread.
  • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spice flavors that complement the zucchini.
  • Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become fluffy.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the bread and adds moisture.
  • Zucchini: Adds moisture and texture (you’ll need two medium zucchinis; do not wring out the liquid).
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor (should be melted and slightly cooled).
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
  • Walnuts, currants (or raisins), chocolate chips (optional): Add-ins to customize the flavor of the bread. Whatever combination you use, total add-ins should not exceed 1½ cups.
  • Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine.

dry ingredients whisked in bowl

In another large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until well combined.

liquid ingredients whisked in bowl

Add the grated zucchini, melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

grated zucchini added to liquid ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to liquid mixture and mix well.

combined zucchini bread batter in bowl

Add the nuts, currants, and/or chocolate chips. Stir just until combined.

zucchini batter in bowl

Divide the batter into two greased 8-1/2 x 4-1/2-in loaf pans.

zucchini bread in pan

Bake for about 1 hour, or until tester comes out clean. Set the pans on wire rack and let cool about 10 minutes, then turn loaves out onto rack to cool completely.

zucchini bread loaves cooling on rack

How To Freeze Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread can be frozen for up to three months. After it is completely cooled, wrap it securely in aluminum foil, freezer wrap, or place in a freezer bag. Thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Lightly toast individual slices for best results.

Video Tutorial

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sliced zucchini bread on platter

Zucchini Bread

Turn your zucchini bounty into tender, sweet zucchini bread—so perfectly delicious, even kids will beg for seconds!

Servings: Two 8½ x 4½-inch loaves
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
  • 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups grated zucchini (you'll need two medium zucchinis; do not wring out the liquid)
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted if desired (optional; see note)
  • ½ cup currants or raisins (optional; see note)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and set rack in middle position. Generously grease two 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Use a whisk to mix well.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar. Add the grated zucchini, melted butter, and vanilla extract; using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir to combine.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to liquid ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the nuts and currants, then divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Set the pans on a wire rack and let cool for about 10 minutes, then turn the loaves out onto rack to cool completely.
  5. Note: You can also add chocolate chips to this bread. I typically use about 1 cup of chocolate chips instead of nuts and currants. Whatever combination you use, just be sure total add-ins (nuts, currants, chips) do not exceed 1½ cups.
  6. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, wrap it securely in aluminum foil, freezer wrap or place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Information

Powered by Edamam

  • Per serving (16 servings)
  • Serving size: 1-inch slice
  • Calories: 302
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 65mg
  • Cholesterol: 252mg

This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.

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Comments

  • I have been trying to find a zucchini blueberry recipe. Can blueberries be added to this recipe?

    • — Nancy on August 5, 2024
    • Reply
    • While technically it may work, for the best results, I’d stick with the recipe.

  • I give it 5 stars, followed the exact instructions and the result was very delicious, I will definitely be saving this recipe.

    • — Rita on July 31, 2024
    • Reply
  • We loved it! A great recipe that was easy to make, came out perfect and tasted wonderful. Thank you Jenn for an easy recipe to use up my extra zucchini. Also, I added mini chocolate chips and walnuts.

    • — June D. on July 31, 2024
    • Reply
  • It’s not terrible, but not very good either, find a different recipe

    • — Bill on July 30, 2024
    • Reply
  • Good morning
    Can I make this vegan by using flax eggs and coconut oil? I realize the flavour won’t be the same but my vegan kids will still enjoy it!
    Thanks!

    • — Connie Manuel on July 24, 2024
    • Reply
    • Hi Connie, I haven’t tried it with either of those substitutes, but it should work. I’d love to hear how it turns out!

      • — Jenn on July 24, 2024
      • Reply
  • Light an fluffy…a quick bread should have density. Flavor…none. Highly disappointed. Will turn it into French toast, hopefully it helps.

    • — Suzanne Marie MacMichael on July 23, 2024
    • Reply
  • Anyone tried this recipe with yellow squash instead of a zucchini? Thanks!

    • — Kara on May 1, 2024
    • Reply
    • Hi Kara, there are a number of readers who’ve commented that they’ve used yellow squash successfully. Please report back if you try it!

      • — Jenn on May 2, 2024
      • Reply
      • Hi Jenn,

        I tried the yellow squash and it tasted the same! I’d use it again for sure! Thanks!

        • — Kara on May 10, 2024
        • Reply
        • Glad it came out well — thanks for taking the time to follow up! 😊

          • — Jenn on May 13, 2024
          • Reply
  • I got my 2.5 year old picky eater to try this and she loves it! I even cut the sugar by 1/3 cup and added extra zucchini. That’s a win for me!

    • — Christina on February 15, 2024
    • Reply
  • I tried this recipe because of the 2 block of butter in it. The texture was not as moist as expected so next recipe I will to bake 50 min instead of 60 as I did. A small chunk was stuck to bottom so I will use parchment paper. I like the flavor, it was great. I like chilled zucchini bread so I will try to chill it and see if it softens up. Thanks!

    • — Leslie on December 20, 2023
    • Reply
  • This is delicious 😋

    • — Eileen on December 1, 2023
    • Reply

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