This moist lemon zucchini bread is a perfect treat for spring! With fresh zucchini and a zesty lemon flavor, it’s both tasty and refreshing. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes!
I love slicing it up and enjoying it with a cup of tea. It’s great for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get in some veggies! 🌼
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are the star here! They provide moisture and texture. If you don’t have zucchini, you could use shredded carrots, but the flavor will change. Grate the zucchini finely to blend well.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Just remember, you might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe if using a liquid sweetener.
Vegetable Oil: While I love using vegetable oil for its neutral taste, you can swap it for melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat option. Just keep in mind this may slightly alter the bread’s flavor.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon is key for a bright flavor. If fresh lemons are unavailable, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but the zest will be missed! Consider using lime or orange zest for a twist.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Zucchini?
Preparing zucchini correctly ensures your bread stays moist without becoming soggy. Follow these steps:
- Wash the zucchini completely and trim off the ends.
- Use a grater to shred the zucchini finely. A box grater works well!
- After grating, gather the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This is important to prevent the bread from being too wet.
- Do not peel the zucchini; the skin adds color and nutrients!
How Can You Ensure the Bread is Moist and Tender?
To achieve that beloved moist and tender texture, watch the mixing process closely:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This prevents overmixing.
- When folding in the dry ingredients, do it gently. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
- If using yogurt or sour cream, it acts as a great tenderizer, adding moisture and richness.
Enjoy baking this refreshing lemon zucchini bread! It’s a tasty way to welcome spring and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Moist Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups finely shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (optional, adds moisture)
For the Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This moist lemon zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 50-60 minutes of baking time. Be sure to let it cool for a bit after baking before slicing into it, which will add another 10 minutes. Altogether, you should set aside about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make this delicious treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or oil and then dusting it with flour, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture helps create a fluffy texture in your bread. Set it aside for now.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add in the oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and yogurt (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Add Shredded Zucchini
Now it’s time to fold in the shredded zucchini. Grab your grated zucchini (make sure it’s finely shredded!) and gently mix it into the wet ingredients until evenly distributed. This is what will keep your bread moist!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients to the wet ingredient mixture. Stir gently, mixing just until there’s no more dry flour visible. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense.
6. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary!
7. Cool Down
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Optionally, before serving, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely touch! Slice the bread and enjoy it fresh as is, or warm it up with a bit of butter. Perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee!
Enjoy your deliciously moist lemon zucchini bread this spring! It’s a delightful treat that showcases the vibrant flavors of the season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This helps maintain the ideal texture of the bread.
What Can I Substitute for Granulated Sugar?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. If using a liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup, you might want to reduce the other liquids slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover lemon zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for an extra treat. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture of the bread.
