Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to use up those extra zucchinis from your garden? Look no further! This recipe for Sally's Baking Recipes Zucchini Bread is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It's the perfect recipe for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, guaranteeing a delicious homemade treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming simple ingredients into a truly delightful dish. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade zucchini bread!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
-
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
-
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
-
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 result in a tough bread.
-
Zucchini Time: Gently fold in the grated zucchini.
-
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, as ovens can vary.
-
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 the Best Zucchini Bread:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Fresh is best: Use fresh zucchini for the best flavor and moisture.
- Grate finely: Finely grating the zucchini helps it blend seamlessly into the batter.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips: Feel free to add ½ - 1 cup of your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for extra deliciousness.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Lemon Zucchini Bread: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the batter.
- Spiced Zucchini Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and swirl it into the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
This easy zucchini bread recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Enjoy this homemade treat with a cup of coffee or tea, or pack it for a healthy on-the-go snack. Share your baking creations with us – we’d love to see your delicious zucchini bread!