Delectable Zucchini Bread with Crumb Topping
Transform your perception of zucchini bread with this incredible recipe that strikes the perfect balance between moistness and flavor. Using fresh, shredded zucchini and a hint of applesauce, this bread will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s so delightful, you won’t even notice the hidden nutrition from ground flax seeds. And that crumbly topping? It's the icing on the cake... or rather, the topping on the bread! Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this zucchini bread will have you reaching for a second slice - and maybe a third!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (measured)
ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon (optional, measured)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (measured)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
buttermilk
1 cup (measured)
granulated sugar
3/4 cup (measured)
applesauce
1/4 cup (measured)
butter, melted
1/4 cup (melted)
egg
1 (beaten)
egg white
1 (beaten)
zucchini, shredded
1 cup (shredded)
walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup (optional, chopped)
chocolate chips
1/2 cup (optional)
granulated sugar for crumb
1/4 cup (for crumb mixture, measured)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (for crumb mixture, measured)
chilled butter for crumb
3 tablespoons (chilled, cut into small pieces)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
2. Prepare a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan by spraying it with vegetable cooking spray.
3
3. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for the crumb mixture. Cut in 3 tablespoons of chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mixture for topping later.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
5
5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of buttermilk, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of applesauce, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 egg white until well combined.
6
6. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
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7. Fold in the 1 cup of shredded zucchini and, if desired, the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
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8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
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9. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the first layer of batter. Then, carefully pour the remaining batter over the top, ensuring an even spread.
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10. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the loaf.
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11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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12. Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack. Enjoy your deliciously crumbly zucchini bread!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size loaf pan should I use?
You should use a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
How long does the zucchini bread need to bake?
The bread should bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What ingredients are in the crumb topping?
The crumb topping consists of 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 3 tablespoons of chilled butter.
How much zucchini is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of shredded zucchini.
What is the purpose of adding applesauce to the recipe?
Applesauce is used to help strike a perfect balance between moistness and flavor while reducing the need for excess fat.
Does this recipe include flax seeds?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds for hidden nutrition.
How many servings does one loaf provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
Should the butter for the crumb mixture be melted?
No, the butter for the crumb mixture should be chilled and cut into the sugar and cocoa until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What type of milk is used in this bread?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk.
How do I prepare the loaf pan?
The pan should be sprayed with vegetable cooking spray before adding the batter.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 1 whole egg and 1 egg white.
Should the butter for the main batter be chilled or melted?
The 1/4 cup of butter used in the wet mixture should be melted.
What is the best way to combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
How is the crumb mixture applied to the bread?
Half the batter is poured into the pan, followed by a layer of the crumb mixture, then the remaining batter, and finally more crumb mixture on top.
How long should the bread cool before removing it from the pan?
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Is there cocoa powder in the bread batter itself?
No, the cocoa powder is only used in the crumb mixture that is layered inside and on top of the bread.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much sugar goes into the main batter?
The main batter uses 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Is the zucchini bread a dessert or a breakfast item?
It can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include zucchini bread, quick bread, baking, dessert, snack, healthy, crumb topping, and vegetable bread.
Can I use oil instead of butter in the batter?
The recipe specifically calls for melted butter, but applesauce is already included to maintain moisture.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
The recipe doesn't specify peeling, usually shredded zucchini is used with the skin on for better texture and nutrition.
How much crumb mixture should be reserved for the final top layer?
You should set aside 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture to sprinkle on the very top.
What should I do after the 10-minute cooling period in the pan?
Remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Is this a chocolate-flavored bread?
While the bread itself is a standard zucchini bread, the crumb topping contains cocoa, providing a chocolatey element.
How much ground flax seed is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
Yes, it is classified as a quick bread, meaning it uses chemical leaveners like baking powder instead of yeast.