This Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread is a delightful treat that combines moist, tender bread with the crunch of walnuts and a hint of warm spices. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this recipe brings together fresh zucchini and wholesome ingredients, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying it alone, each bite promises comfort and joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The grated zucchini keeps the bread soft and tender, ensuring every slice is enjoyable.
- Rich Flavor: With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread is bursting with warm spice notes that elevate its taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal preparation time make this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or even topped with cream cheese for a delicious twist.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields enough to serve family and friends, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious treat.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan (9 or smaller)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: A good quality loaf pan ensures even baking and gives your bread its perfect shape.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep your dry ingredients organized while blending wet ones without mess.
- Whisk: This tool is essential for aerating your batter, leading to lighter and fluffier bread.
- Baking sheet: Placing your loaf pan on a baking sheet catches any drips during baking, keeping your oven clean.
Ingredients
This Zucchini Walnut Bread is the BEST I’ve tried! Super moist, tender and soft with plenty of spice and crunchy walnuts in every bite!
For the Bread
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup oil
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 2½ cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
How to Make Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 loaf pan with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use two smaller loaf pans to prevent overfilling. Place the pan(s) on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Combine the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
2. Mix until fully blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
– Stir gently until just combined; there should still be patches of flour visible.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Walnuts
Gently fold in:
– The grated zucchini and chopped walnuts until just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing as this can lead to tough bread.
Step 6: Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan(s):
– Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until the top is light golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving:
– This helps set its structure for easier slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread, perfect for any time of day!
How to Serve Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread
Serving your Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread can elevate any meal or occasion. This delicious bread pairs well with various accompaniments, making it a versatile choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
With Cream Cheese
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on a slice for a rich and creamy contrast to the spiced bread.
As French Toast
- Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook on a griddle for a delightful twist on traditional French toast.
Topped with Fresh Fruit
- Serve with sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a refreshing fruit pairing that complements the flavors.
With Honey Drizzle
- Drizzle honey over warm slices to enhance the sweetness and add a touch of elegance.
As Dessert Sandwiches
- Create a sandwich using two slices of zucchini walnut bread with your favorite filling like nut butter or chocolate spread.
How to Perfect Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread
To achieve the best results when making your Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread, consider these helpful tips.
- Do not overmix – Gently fold the ingredients together. Overmixing can lead to dense bread rather than light and fluffy.
- Use fresh zucchini – Opt for freshly grated zucchini for maximum moisture and flavor. Avoid using old or soggy zucchini.
- Check doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely – Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure.
- Store properly – Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread
Pairing side dishes with your Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread can create an enjoyable meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this tasty treat.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy and satisfying side.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad topped with vinaigrette balances the richness of the bread perfectly.
- Fruit Compote – A warm fruit compote made from berries adds sweetness and moisture that pairs wonderfully.
- Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs make an excellent savory addition, perfect for breakfast.
- Chia Pudding – A nutritious chia pudding served on the side provides texture and nutritional benefits.
- Smoothie Bowl – A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds enhances breakfast offerings alongside the bread.
- Vegetable Soup – A light vegetable soup complements the flavors while keeping meals hearty yet healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough bread. Stir until just combined, leaving some flour streaks.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use the right measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. This ensures accurate proportions for your bread.
- Skipping the greasing step: Always grease your loaf pan well to prevent sticking. A good non-stick spray works wonders!
- Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F before baking. This helps achieve that perfect rise and golden crust.
- Using old or watery zucchini: Fresh, grated zucchini is best. If it’s too watery, squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep slices separate with parchment paper to maintain freshness.
Freezing Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes for optimal texture.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds; cover with a damp paper towel.
- Stovetop: Lightly toast slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread.
Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?
Yes! You can use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries for a delicious twist on the Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
Your bread is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup for a delightful gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
The Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread is not only moist and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors any time of day!
Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Best Ever Zucchini Walnut Bread. This moist and tender loaf combines the subtle sweetness of fresh zucchini with crunchy walnuts and warm spices, making it an irresistible choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted with a spread, or as part of a brunch spread, each slice offers a comforting experience. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup oil
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 2½ cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, mix the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini and chopped walnuts without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg