If you’re an empty nester looking for a delicious way to use up summer zucchini, this quick and healthy zucchini bread is exactly what you need! Not only does it come together fast, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients making it a moist and guilt-free treat! It’s all about quick and healthy options during midlife so we have time for more fun!
This recipe is naturally sweetened and loaded with fiber from zucchini and whole grains. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even a refined sugar-free dessert, this zucchini bread will satisfy your cravings while keeping things healthy during midlife.
Why This Recipe is a Healthy Choice:
- Zucchini Power: Zucchini is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this bread a nutritious option that’s still indulgent. It provides your body with Vitamin B6 + C, iron, lutein, and potassium among others. What does this mean? It helps your body boost its immune system, aids in anemia, clears your gut, and protects your eyes. Zucchini is a low calorie vegetable — one cup only has 17 calories! — but interestingly is technically classified as a fruit. It can easily be grown in your garden, so go organic at home!
- Healthy Swaps: Using Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of butter adds moisture without the extra fat.
- Satisfying and Sweet: Even with reduced sugar and healthier ingredients, this bread is lightly sweet and satisfying, perfect for a mid-morning snack or dessert.
Healthy Zucchini Bread Comes Together Quickly
Quick and Healthy Zucchini bread is a snap to make. All you need is a good, nonstick loaf 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can find many on Amazon or Walmart, but the Wilton brand is a very good one. Popular higher end loaf pans where you can serve and store right out of the pan, include Caraway Home or Sur La Table. You can also find cooling racks on these sites as well.
- Prepare & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a nonstick 9×5-inch loaf pan. Grate your zucchini and set it aside – no need to peel it! The skin adds extra nutrients. Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel before adding it to batter.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, butter, maple syrup, milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Combine: Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Fold the grated zucchini into the batter and then fold in your chopped walnuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil.
- Cool & Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy your healthy treat! Dust on some powdered sugar or drizzle with some extra maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness!
Healthy Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unbleached white flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 dashes allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups zucchini, shredded
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped plus a few whole walnuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
- Grease your loaf pan generously. Set aside.
- Wash and shred your zucchini with a grater or cuisinart. Be sure to squeeze out excess water after shredding. Set aside.
- Mix all wet ingredients together in a separate bowl.
- Mix all dry ingredients in another medium bowl, then add your dry mixture to your wet mixture, mixing fully.
- Next, fold in your shredding zucchini, proceeded by your chopped walnuts.
- Add mixture to your greased loaf pan. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy Twist: Thanks to zucchini, this bread is packed with moisture and added nutrition, making it a healthier option than your average sweet bread.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like apple chunks, a variety of nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or dark chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Freezing: Zucchini bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or a whole loaf in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This quick and healthy zucchini bread is a fantastic way to embrace the abundance of summer. Whether you’re enjoying a slice fresh out of the oven or toasting it up for breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. For another seasonal favorite, try our Perfect Pumpkin Muffin Tops! Happy baking!
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