Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that's also incredibly healthy and delicious? Look no further! This zucchini carrot bread is the perfect answer. It's moist, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Forget those dry, bland loaves of the past – this recipe delivers a delightful treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy a homemade healthy meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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 bread bakes evenly and releases easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This thoroughly combines all the dry ingredients, preventing pockets of spice in your finished loaf.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
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Combine Wet & Dry: 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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Add Veggies & Nuts: Gently fold in the grated zucchini, carrots, and optional nuts. Folding ensures the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them down too much.
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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.
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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 and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Carrot Bread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh zucchini and carrots: Freshly grated vegetables will yield the best results.
- Add a glaze: Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the top for extra deliciousness.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips!
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Citrus zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Cream cheese swirl: Swirl in a mixture of cream cheese and sugar for an indulgent treat.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This zucchini carrot bread is a delicious and healthy addition to your baking repertoire. It's a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be, offering a quick dinner idea or delightful snack. Enjoy!