Are you looking for a simple yet delicious way to use up those extra zucchinis from your garden or the farmer's market? Look no further! This zucchini bread recipe with butter is a classic for a reason – it's moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. It's one of those easy recipes that everyone loves, making it ideal for quick dinner ideas or a delightful treat any time of day.
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)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your delicious zucchini bread releases easily from the pan.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking soda or spice in your finished loaf.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat well until thoroughly mixed. Don't overmix – just until combined.
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Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet 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 & Butter: Gently fold in the grated zucchini and melted butter. The melted butter adds incredible moisture and richness.
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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 minutes – ovens can vary.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Bread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh zucchini: Fresh zucchini will yield the best results. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips: For added flavor and texture, consider adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter.
Variations:
- Lemon Zucchini Bread: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
- Spiced Zucchini Bread: Add a teaspoon of ginger or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate your zucchini bread with a creamy cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: Around 10-15g Protein: Around 3-5g Carbohydrates: Around 35-45g
This delicious and easy zucchini bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!