When summer hits and your garden is bursting with zucchini, there’s truly no better use for it than whipping up a loaf of fresh-baked zucchini bread. This timeless quick bread boasts a moist texture and rich flavor, making it a delightful treat any time of day. You have the flexibility to customize it to your liking—stick with the traditional cinnamon-spiced version, or indulge in a rich chocolate twist.

This recipe is crafted from scratch, guaranteeing the best texture and flavor without the use of box mixes or artificial ingredients. Plus, your kitchen will be filled with the incredible aroma of baking zucchini bread. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this simple yet rewarding baking adventure!

Why Make Zucchini Bread from Scratch?

• Enjoy richer flavor and moisture from fresh zucchini and pantry staples.
• Skip the preservatives and artificial flavors.
• Customize to your heart’s content: add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a delightful swirl of cocoa.
• Be budget-friendly: perfect for using up excess zucchini from your garden.
• Make it healthier by controlling sugar and oil types.
• Whether for breakfast, snack time, or gifting, homemade zucchini bread is a timeless classic that everyone loves.

Plain or Frosted Zucchini Bread

My family has mixed feelings about frosting—some love it, while others prefer their bread plain. If you have a sweet tooth, go ahead and frost it! Just a light dusting of powdered sugar can make it delightful. For a fun alternative, a chocolate glaze adds a delicious twist to the classic cinnamon-spiced loaf, especially when combined with chocolate chips. It’s a chocoholic’s dream come true!

Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Bread

1. Opt for smaller zucchinis, as they come with fewer seeds and better flavor.
2. Leave a bit of the green skin on for extra color and nutrition.
3. Once grated, blot the zucchini dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
4. Grated zucchini is superior to chopping (a food processor can work wonders here too, but remember to blot dry).
5. Mix by hand instead of using a hand mixer for the best texture.
6. Grease and flour your pans generously, or use parchment paper for easy removal, since the sugar content can cause sticking.
7. For a quicker bake, you can use muffin tins—just reduce the baking time to about 12 minutes.
8. Don’t squeeze the zucchini; the moisture is essential for a tender crumb!
9. Fresh garden zucchini yields the best flavor.
10. No need to peel those zucchinis—keep it wholesome!
11. Avoid overmixing to maintain the bread’s tenderness.
12. Consider adding nuts, raisins, or even coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
13. This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices or loaves tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Gather Your Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. For Chocolate Zucchini Bread:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, honey, vegetable oil, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
   3. Add the salt, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder (if using), cocoa powder, and flour. Mix until just combined.
   4. Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.
   5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
   6. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
   7. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and storing.
   8. This batter also works great in muffin tins or mini bundt cakes, cutting the baking time down to 30-45 minutes.
2. For Regular Zucchini Bread:
   1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon, and set it aside.
   2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the oil, vanilla, and grated zucchini.
   3. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and gently stir in the walnuts.
   4. Divide the batter between two greased medium loaf pans.
   5. Bake for about 1 hour, then cool before slicing.

Frosting Options

If you wish to add some sweetness, here’s how to prepare a simple frosting:

Vanilla Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• Water to achieve desired thickness
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• Water for consistency
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

For both glazes, mix the ingredients in a small bowl, adding water gradually until you achieve a nice drizzling consistency.