Description
This moist and flavorful zucchini bread with yogurt combines grated zucchini, warm spices, and creamy yogurt to create a delicious treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Enhanced with optional nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, this easy-to-make loaf uses simple pantry ingredients and bakes to a tender crumb with a subtly sweet and spiced profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt for extra thickness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis, excess moisture squeezed out)
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
- 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal to ensure the bread does not stick.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set this mixture aside to combine the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until combined and slightly fluffy. Add the vegetable oil, yogurt, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the Zucchini: Stir in the grated zucchini, ensuring any excess moisture has been squeezed out beforehand to avoid a soggy bread texture, distributing it evenly through the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent the bread from becoming dense.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in any desired chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips to add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing to set the crumb and enhance flavor.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, substitute the granulated sugar with honey or pure maple syrup, adjusting liquid ingredients slightly if needed.
- Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker batter and extra protein.
- Be sure to squeeze excess moisture out of the zucchini to prevent a soggy loaf.
- Storage: Keep the zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- The bread can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American