This is the Best Zucchini Bread Recipe

Table of Contents

1. What is Zucchini Bread?
2. What is in Zucchini Bread?
3. How to Make Zucchini Bread
4. Substitutions and Additions for Buttermilk Zucchini Bread
5. How to Serve This Recipe for Zucchini Bread
6. When to Serve Zucchini Bread with Buttermilk
7. Storing This Moist Zucchini Bread Recipe
8. The Best Ever Zucchini Bread
9. Zucchini Bread Recipe FAQs
10. More Quick Bread Recipes You’ll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE
12. More Favorite Recipes

Here at Spaceships and Laser Beams, we’re passionate about turning everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes. We understand the frustration of recipes that promise perfection but fall flat. That’s why our team of culinary experts, with over a decade of experience, meticulously develops and tests every recipe at least six times. We not only focus on flavor profiles but also ensure clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. We want your baking experience, especially with zucchini bread, to be a success, not a struggle.

Zucchini bread is more than just a way to use up summer’s bounty. It’s a versatile quick bread that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. But the secret to truly great zucchini bread lies in understanding the science behind its texture. The zucchini itself plays a crucial role, adding moisture and creating a tender crumb. In this post, we’ll delve into the science of zucchini bread, share our expert-tested recipe for a classic version, and then explore exciting flavor variations to elevate your baking game. So, preheat your oven and get ready to transform your zucchini into a delicious treat!

What is Zucchini Bread?

Zucchini bread is a sweet, quick bread made using shredded zucchini. Thanks to our easy tips with this tried and true recipe, you’ll receive rave reviews with this easy zucchini bread.

You won’t be able to stop at just one slice of this soft and mouth-watering zucchini bread. With a hint of cinnamon, sweet brown sugar, and packed full of zucchini, this bread is incredibly easy to throw together and will disappear faster than you can make it.

What is in Zucchini Bread?

How to Make Zucchini Bread

How to Grate Zucchini for Bread

The easiest way to grate zucchini for bread is using a food processor with a grater attachment. If you don’t have this option, the large holes of a box grater will work too.

PRO TIP: There is no need to drain the excess water from the zucchini. Using 1½ to two cups loosely packed makes a dense, very moist loaf.

Using more zucchini than two cups may add too much excess moisture to the batter and prevent the bread from baking fully.

If you have too much water, squeeze your shredded zucchini out in a separate bowl after grating. Wrap it in paper towels, squeeze well, and proceed with the steps below.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a small bowl and set the flour mixture aside.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, beat or whisk together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.

STEP THREE: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture.

STEP FOUR: Mix in the buttermilk and grated zucchini.

STEP FIVE: Dump the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until combined. For best results, do not overmix.

STEP SIX: Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the zucchini bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.

PRO TIP: You can buy loaf pan parchment liners to make lining your pans quick and easy.

STEP SEVEN: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

PRO TIP: Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your bread at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

STEP EIGHT: Cool the loaf for about ten minutes before removing it from the pan and cooling it the rest of the way on a wire rack.

Substitutions and Additions for Buttermilk Zucchini Bread

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Chocolate chips are my favorite addition to zucchini bread as they add a burst of chocolate to already delicious bread. Add a cup of chocolate chips tossed in a bit of flour into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

NUTS OR RAISINS: Try walnuts or raisins mixed into the batter for another option to take your zucchini bread to the next level.

FRUIT: Apples, blueberries, bananas, or shredded carrots could be added to the bread for a fresh flavor.

BUTTERMILK: You can make your own buttermilk using whole or 2% milk and lemon juice or distilled vinegar. For every one cup of milk, stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

WARM SPICES: Nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cardamom can enhance the profile of the bread. You can also add a bit of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

OIL: You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil in place of the butter.

How to Serve This Recipe for Zucchini Bread

Serve individual slices of this classic zucchini bread, either warm or cold. Spread some butter on the bread and enjoy with a cup of tea or a latte for breakfast or a snack.

This easy recipe is a great after-school snack for the kids, delicious, and a perfect way to sneak in those extra veggies. I bet they will soon vote it the best zucchini bread recipe.

A loaf cake is a great way to use up your extra fruits and veggies and is perfect to have on hand for a quick breakfast or snack. Try our lemon blueberry bread and carrot bread.

When to Serve Zucchini Bread with Buttermilk

Zucchini bread’s versatility makes it a perfect snack or treat for a variety of occasions. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a slice warmed up with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a satisfying and slightly sweet start to your day.
• Snack time: A slice of zucchini bread is a delicious and nutritious pick-me-up between meals. Pair it with a yogurt parfait or a cup of coffee for a balanced snack.
• Dessert: Zucchini bread can also be dressed up for dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
• Afternoon tea: A slice of zucchini bread with a steaming cup of tea makes for a delightful and cozy afternoon break.
• Potlucks and brunches: Zucchini bread is a crowd-pleasing option to bring to potlucks, brunches, or bake sales. Its portability and ease of eating make it a popular choice.

Storing This Moist Zucchini Bread Recipe

ON THE COUNTER: Store homemade zucchini bread wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for two to three days.

IN THE FRIDGE: Wrapped up or in a container, it can be refrigerated for one week. 

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze for up to three months. Wrap the loaf in foil and then place it in a Ziploc bag.

MAKE-AHEAD: I always double or triple my recipe and freeze the extra loaves to give as gifts over the holidays. It’s lovely to have baked goods with garden-grown veggies in the middle of the colder months.

The Best Ever Zucchini Bread

There are a few reasons why people love this delicious zucchini bread with buttermilk:

• Moist and Tender Crumb: Buttermilk adds acidity to the batter, which reacts with the baking soda to create lift and a tender crumb. This is especially important in zucchini bread, as the zucchini itself adds moisture that can sometimes lead to a denser loaf. Buttermilk helps counteract this, resulting in a light and airy texture.
• Tangy Flavor Boost: Buttermilk has a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bread and the natural sweetness of the zucchini. This adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile, making the bread more interesting than plain sweet bread.
• Tenderizes Gluten: The acidity in buttermilk slightly weakens the gluten strands in the flour. This leads to a more tender crumb and a less dense bread. This is particularly beneficial for zucchini bread, which can sometimes be heavy due to the moisture content of the zucchini.

In short, buttermilk enhances the texture and flavor of zucchini bread, making it a favorite ingredient for many bakers.

Use up all the extra summer zucchini from your garden in this ultimate zucchini bread recipe. The buttermilk makes an amazingly moist loaf, and the cinnamon will add just the right amount of spice to this lovely bread. This bread is just like mom used to make and will become a solid go-to recipe for years to come.

More Quick Bread Recipes You’ll Love

• Banana Bread
• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Lemon Poppyseed Bread
• Chocolate Zucchini Bread
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

More Favorite Recipes

Zucchini Recipes

• Fried Zucchini
• Zucchini Boats
• Zucchini Gratin
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Zucchini Noodles
• Pizza Zucchini Boats
• Zucchini Mushroom Chicken

Side Dish Recipes

• Glazed Carrots
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Vegetable Casserole
• German Potato Salad
• Asian Cucumber Salad
• Smothered Green Beans
• Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
• Mac and Cheese Crock Pot Recipe

Favorite Muffins

• Brownie Muffins
• Monkey Bread Muffins
• Raspberry Lemon Muffins
• Lemon Blueberry Muffins
• Double Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Banana Cream Cheese Muffins
• White Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins