Moist Green Zucchini Bread

The smell of cinnamon hitting the warm air of my tiny apartment kitchen is still vivid in my mind, even years later. I had rescued an overgrown zucchini from my sister's garden, the kind that seems to multiply overnight when you're not looking. What started as a desperate attempt to use up summer's abundance turned into the loaf I now make every time the weather starts turning crisp.

I brought this bread to a brunch last autumn, and within ten minutes, three different people had asked for the recipe. Watching friends smear butter on warm slices while laughing around the table made me realize some recipes are worth keeping in permanent rotation.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect tender crumb structure
• Baking soda and powder: Work together for that beautiful rise and golden crown
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that make the whole house smell like comfort
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist for days unlike butter which can firm up
• Granulated and brown sugar: The combination gives depth and just enough sweetness
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors beautifully
• Freshly grated zucchini: The star that adds moisture without any vegetal taste
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional but adds lovely texture and nuttiness

Instructions

Prep your oven and pan:

Preheat to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, then dust it with flour for easy release later.

Whisk the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.

Beat the wet mixture:

In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, both sugars, and vanilla until smooth and slightly lighter in color.

Add the zucchini:

Fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture until evenly distributed throughout.

Combine everything:

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no flour streaks remain.

Add nuts if using:

Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans until they are evenly scattered through the batter.

Bake to perfection:

Pour into your prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely:

Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

Save to Pinterest

My neighbor texted me at midnight once after trying this bread, confessing she ate three slices standing at the counter. There is something about the combination of tender crumb and gentle spice that makes people completely lose track of portions.

Making It Your Own

Half the time I bake this now, I throw in a handful of dark chocolate chips along with the nuts. The way they melt into pockets throughout the loaf feels like a happy accident you planned all along.

Storage Secrets

This bread keeps remarkably well wrapped tightly at room temperature for three days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic then foil.

Serving Suggestions

Warm thick slices in the toaster for about 30 seconds until the edges get slightly crisp. Slather with salted butter while still hot, or spread with cream cheese for an afternoon treat that feels like dessert.

• Add a drizzle of honey on top if you like things sweeter
• Pair with a cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast
• Try it with sharp cheddar for a sweet and savory snack

Save to Pinterest

There is something deeply satisfying about turning an abundance of summer squash into something that makes people smile. This bread is exactly what baking should be: simple, generous, and worth sharing.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you prepare the zucchini for baking?

Grate the green zucchini finely and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.

→ Can nuts be omitted or substituted?

Yes, nuts like walnuts or pecans are optional and can be omitted or replaced with seeds for a nut-free option.

→ What spices enhance the flavor of this loaf?

A blend of ground cinnamon and nutmeg adds subtle warmth and depth to the green zucchini bread.

→ How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the loaf is done baking.

→ Is there a way to make the loaf heartier?

Substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour creates a denser, heartier texture.

→ What serving suggestions complement the bread?

Serve warm with butter or cream cheese for added richness and flavor.