Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a cozy afternoon or a delightful treat to share? Look no further! This Betty Crocker-inspired zucchini bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the moistness of zucchini with warm spices and a touch of sweetness. It’s one of those easy recipes that always delivers, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks seeking a quick dinner side or a comforting dessert. This healthy meal addition is sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to experience the magic of this classic zucchini bread!
Ingredients: A Simple Blend of Flavors
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a spontaneous baking session.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps to create this delicious zucchini bread:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked bread.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients ensures even baking and distribution of spices.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
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Zucchini & Nuts: Gently fold in the grated zucchini and nuts (if using). The gentle folding ensures the zucchini doesn't get overly mashed and retains some texture.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bread
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Grate the zucchini finely: Finely grated zucchini blends better into the batter and creates a more even texture.
- Add a glaze (optional): Once cooled, drizzle a cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar glaze over the bread for extra sweetness and flavor. This adds a delightful touch to an already delicious treat.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or cranberries.
Variations: Beyond the Classic
This recipe provides a fantastic base for endless variations. Try these ideas:
- Lemon Zucchini Bread: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the batter for a bright and zesty twist.
- Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread: Incorporate 1 cup of diced apples and add a pinch of allspice for a warm autumnal flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
This Betty Crocker-inspired zucchini bread is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade cooking. It’s a quick dinner side, a delightful snack, or a perfect dessert – the versatility is what makes this recipe a true keeper. Enjoy every bite of this easy and delicious treat!