Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a classic and delicious recipe to use up your surplus of zucchinis, then an old fashioned zucchini bread recipe is just what you need. With its moist and flavorful texture, this bread is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of this timeless recipe, including ingredients, cooking instructions, and tips for variations. So let’s get started and discover how to make the perfect old fashioned zucchini bread.
Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread Recipe Overview
The old fashioned zucchini bread recipe is a delightful blend of fresh zucchinis, warm spices, and flavorful nuts. It’s a simple and straightforward recipe that requires minimal effort but yields fantastic results. The key ingredients for this recipe include grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and chopped walnuts. This combination guarantees a moist and tender bread that is bursting with flavor.
When making this recipe, it’s important to use fresh zucchinis that are firm and free from blemishes. You’ll need to grate the zucchinis and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This step ensures that your bread doesn’t become too watery during baking. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla extract gives the bread a warm and comforting aroma, while the chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch to every bite.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the fantastic things about the old fashioned zucchini bread recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. For a healthier option, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. If you’re vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Additionally, you can add raisins, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the batter for added texture and sweetness.
Cooking Time and Servings
This old fashioned zucchini bread recipe typically takes around 50 minutes to an hour to bake. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s advisable to start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. The recipe yields one loaf of zucchini bread, which can usually serve 8 to 10 people. If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd or want to have leftovers, you can easily double the recipe and bake two loaves at the same time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated zucchini
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the grated zucchini, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let the zucchini bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
9. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Information:
– Serving Size: 1 slice
– Calories: 250
– Total Fat: 14g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Cholesterol: 35mg
– Sodium: 180mg
– Carbohydrates: 29g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 16g
– Protein: 3g
Cooking Time & Servings:
– Cooking Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
– Servings: 8-10
Equipment:
– Grater
– Mixing bowls
– Loaf pan
– Whisk
– Spatula
– Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
Old fashioned zucchini bread is a delightful treat on its own but can be enhanced with a few serving suggestions. Slice the bread and spread a generous dollop of cream cheese or butter. You can also enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. As for plating, dust the bread with powdered sugar or sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top for an added visual appeal.
Variation Ideas:
– Add 1/2 cup of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for additional sweetness and texture.
– Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.
– Replace the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
– Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier option.
Substitutions:
– Instead of eggs, use flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan alternative.
– Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
– Swap the vegetable oil with coconut oil or melted butter for a different flavor profile.
Storage:
To maintain the freshness and flavor of your old fashioned zucchini bread, it’s important to store it properly. If you plan to consume the bread within a few days, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week. Alternatively, you can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The frozen bread can be thawed at room temperature for a quick and delicious treat.
Tips:
– Grate the zucchini using the coarse side of a box grater to ensure a good texture for the bread.
– Squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini by placing it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and gently wringing it out.
– For added flavor, toast the walnuts before chopping and adding them to the batter.
– Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves to create your own unique zucchini bread recipe.
Notes:
– Serve the old fashioned zucchini bread warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
– This recipe is suitable for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack for any time of the year.
– Zucchini bread can be enjoyed as is or toasted lightly for a crispy outer crust.
– Pair the bread with a creamy spread like cream cheese or butter for added richness.
– Feel free to adjust the sugar according to your personal preference, adding more or less based on your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen grated zucchini for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen grated zucchini. Thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this recipe with gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free zucchini bread.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A: Yes, chocolate chips can be a delicious addition to the zucchini bread. Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the walnuts.
“Food is the perfect way to bring people together.”
― Unknown
Personal Thought
In conclusion, the old fashioned zucchini bread recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to impress with its moist texture and delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, this recipe is sure to please everyone. With its flexibility for variations and substitutions, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences or experiment with different flavors. So why not give this recipe a try and savor the delightful taste of homemade old fashioned zucchini bread?
Encourage readers to try the recipe and explore their creativity by making variations or adding their personal touch.
In closing, we hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious old fashioned zucchini bread. We would love to hear about your experiences, feedback, and suggestions. Feel free to share your thoughts with us and let us know how this recipe turned out for you. Happy baking!
― Harriet Van Horne
