There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of freshly baked zucchini bread — moist, tender, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this vegetarian zucchini bread recipe brings the best of this versatile vegetable into a flavorful loaf that everyone will enjoy.
Using simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a loaf that’s rich in texture and subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, enhancing the natural sweetness of the zucchini.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and forgiving, making it ideal for any kitchen. The best part?
It’s vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets with a few swaps. So, grab your grater and mixing bowl — let’s dive into making the perfect zucchini bread that’s both wholesome and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian zucchini bread recipe stands out because it combines health with indulgence. Zucchini adds moisture and nutrients without overpowering the taste, making the bread wonderfully soft and tender.
The use of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
It’s a fantastic way to sneak extra veggies into your diet, especially for picky eaters or kids. Plus, it freezes well, so you can bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you like.
It’s also highly customizable, with options to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Best of all, this bread is made without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy weekdays or weekend baking sessions.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier twist)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan version)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Grater or food processor for shredding zucchini
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch recommended)
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Using a grater or food processor, shred the zucchini. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze out excess moisture. This prevents your bread from becoming too soggy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs (or flax eggs) with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well blended. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine zucchini and dry ingredients: Stir the shredded zucchini into the wet mixture. Then gradually add the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add optional mix-ins: If using nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, fold them in carefully at this stage.
- Transfer to loaf pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
Always squeeze out excess moisture from your zucchini — this is key to a perfect texture!
To make this zucchini bread vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg, mixed and set aside for 5 minutes). Use coconut oil or another plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil.
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Try adding a handful of shredded carrots or chopped apple for extra moisture and natural sweetness. Spices like ginger or cardamom also add a delightful twist.
If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the batter before baking.
For a healthier bread, reduce the sugar by a quarter cup or substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar, adjusting wet ingredients accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per slice (1/12 loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 7g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 14g |
Vitamin A | 6% DV |
Vitamin C | 8% DV |
Calcium | 4% DV |
Iron | 6% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This zucchini bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple additions. Spread a thin layer of butter, cream cheese, or your favorite nut butter for extra indulgence.
It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy morning treat.
For a savory twist, try serving slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs. Or, toast slices lightly and top with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a quick brunch option.
Don’t forget to check out other delightful recipes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more baking inspiration.
Conclusion
This vegetarian zucchini bread recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with subtle spices that complement the fresh zucchini beautifully.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this loaf offers a wholesome treat that fits into any meal or snack time.
With easy substitutions and customizable options, it’s adaptable for various dietary preferences and tastes. Plus, with minimal prep and straightforward steps, it’s accessible to bakers of all levels.
Give this recipe a try and see how zucchini bread can become your new favorite way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
For more delicious and healthy vegetarian recipes, explore the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or dive into creative meal ideas with Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Zucchini Bread
Description: A moist and flavorful zucchini bread perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy to prepare.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until combined.
- Stir grated zucchini into the wet ingredients.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 27 g
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