Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread
Highlighted under: Quick Meal Recipes
This Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread is a delightful blend of refreshing lemon and moist zucchini, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
This Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread is not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to use up excess zucchini. The zesty lemon flavor brightens the moist texture, making it a favorite for any time of day.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing lemon flavor combined with the subtle sweetness of zucchini
- Perfectly moist texture that stays fresh for days
- A quick and easy recipe suitable for bakers of all levels
The Perfect Breakfast Treat
Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread is not just a delicious snack; it makes for a delightful breakfast option as well. The refreshing lemon flavor combined with the moistness of zucchini provides a nutritious start to your day. This quick bread is versatile and can be enjoyed warm out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying morning routine.
Moreover, this quick bread is an excellent way to sneak some veggies into your breakfast. Zucchini is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a healthy addition to your diet. This recipe ensures that you can indulge in a sweet treat without compromising on nutrition.
Versatile Serving Suggestions
While Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to elevate your serving experience. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of indulgence. For those who love a bit of crunch, serve it alongside granola or toasted nuts for a delightful contrast in texture.
Additionally, this quick bread freezes beautifully. You can prepare a double batch, slice it, and freeze individual pieces for quick breakfasts or snacks later on. Just pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds, and you'll have a warm, comforting treat ready in no time.
Storing and Freshness Tips
To keep your Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve its moisture and flavor for a longer period, consider refrigerating it. When refrigerated, it can last up to a week. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Properly stored, it can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini
Zucchini is not only a versatile ingredient but also offers numerous health benefits. It is low in calories yet high in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to improved heart health, enhanced digestion, and better skin health. Incorporating zucchini into your recipes, like this quick bread, is an excellent way to boost your vegetable intake.
Additionally, zucchini is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help maintain a healthy weight. The fiber content also promotes a feeling of fullness, making it a smart choice for those managing their appetite.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread turns out perfectly every time, use fresh zucchini and grate it just before mixing. This helps to retain its moisture and flavor. Avoid packing the grated zucchini too tightly; light and fluffy shreds will blend more easily into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the bread.
Another tip is to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to a dry loaf. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. This simple technique helps achieve the ideal texture for your quick bread.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser bread.
→ How do I store leftover quick bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
→ Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for zucchini?
You can use grated carrots or applesauce as a substitute, but the texture and flavor will change.
Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread
This Lemon Zucchini Quick Bread is a delightful blend of refreshing lemon and moist zucchini, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Quick Meal Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Bread
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g