This Traditional Zucchini Bread offers a delightful way to use up those abundant zucchinis from your garden or farmer's market visits. It's moist, perfectly spiced, and just sweet enough to enjoy as a snack or breakfast treat.
Zucchini is the star, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness. All-purpose flour provides the structure, while granulated sugar and brown sugar balance sweetness and depth. Vegetable oil keeps it moist without overpowering flavors. Eggs bind everything together, and vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Baking soda and baking powder work together for a nice rise. Salt balances sweetness, and ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. Optional walnuts offer a delightful crunch.
This zucchini bread pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or a pat of butter. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It also makes a delightful breakfast when served alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 9x5-inch loaf pan ready by greasing it well. This ensures your bread doesn't stick, making for an easy release later on.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these thoroughly means even distribution of leaveners and spices, which is key for balanced flavor and texture.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add in both sugars, the oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything's well combined. This is your wet mix, which should be smooth and slightly thick.
With the wet ingredients ready, stir in the grated zucchini. It’s okay if it looks a bit watery; the zucchini will give your bread that lovely moisture.
Now, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stir gently—overmixing can make the bread dense. If you chose to add walnuts, fold them in at this stage.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. This helps it bake uniformly.
Pop it in the oven for 50-60 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the structure of the bread.