Healthy Zucchini Bread Recipe
by Lauren Mardeusz, RD www.saltandhoneynutrition.com
As summer draws to a close, you might find yourself with an abundance of zucchini from your garden. These versatile green veggies seem to multiply overnight, leaving you with more than you know what to do with. Luckily, healthy zucchini bread is the perfect solution to use up your surplus while whipping up something delicious for your family. This healthy zucchini bread recipe offers a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, turning a healthy breakfast or snack into something everyone in the family will enjoy.
Zucchini bread is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection, especially as you look for ways to sneak in more vegetables for your kids. The zucchini itself is mild in flavor, making it an ideal candidate for baking. When grated and mixed into the batter, it adds moisture and texture without overpowering the bread’s taste. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or as a healthy snack after school, zucchini bread is both nutritious and satisfying.
One of the great things about zucchini bread is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment, just a few pantry staples and your fresh zucchini. It’s an excellent recipe to have on hand when you’re short on time but still want to offer something homemade and wholesome. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen! They can help with mixing the ingredients and learn the joy of baking while sneaking in some extra veggies without even realizing it.
Zucchini bread isn’t just a treat; it’s also packed with nutrients. Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system. It also contains fiber, which is great for digestion and helps keep little tummies happy. When paired with whole grain flour and natural sweeteners, this healthy zucchini bread becomes a balanced option that fits perfectly into a variety of meal plans, whether for breakfast or a quick snack on the go.
If you’re new to making zucchini bread, don’t worry—this easy zucchini bread recipe is nearly foolproof. The key to success is ensuring that your zucchini is properly grated and drained of excess moisture, which ensures a perfect texture. Whether you like your bread more on the sweet side or prefer it less so, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences. Add a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a variation that’s uniquely yours.
As you gather those final zucchinis from your garden, think about all the ways you can incorporate them into your meals. Zucchini bread is a fantastic option that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. It’s a versatile, healthy breakfast option or snack that can be enjoyed by everyone in your family. So, don’t let those zucchinis go to waste—transform them into something delicious and nourishing that will have your family asking for more.
Healthy Zucchini Bread Recipe
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Sifter (optional)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire rack
Healthy Zucchini Bread Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If desired, sift the flour to eliminate any lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread.
- Add Zucchini and Mix-ins: Fold in the grated zucchini. If using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, fold those in as well.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the zucchini bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once the bread is completely cooled, slice it into 12 pieces. Enjoy it as a healthy breakfast or snack!
Healthy Zucchini Bread Nutrition Information (per slice):
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 6g
This healthy zucchini bread is packed with whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nourishing option for your family. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of nut butter for added protein!
Healthy Zucchini Bread
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Sifter (optional)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini about 1 medium zucchini
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts optional
- ½ cup raisins or dark chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If desired, sift the flour to eliminate any lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread.
- Add Zucchini and Mix-ins: Fold in the grated zucchini. If using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, fold those in as well.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the zucchini bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once the bread is completely cooled, slice it into 12 pieces. Enjoy it as a healthy breakfast or snack!
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