Ella Bella's Wholesome Summer Squash Bread Delight
Indulge in the sweetness of Ella Bella's Wholesome Summer Squash Bread Delight, a moist and delightful loaf that's perfect for summer gatherings or a special treat. With a beautiful balance of golden summer squash and warm spices, this recipe is a healthier twist on traditional zucchini bread. Each slice is soft and fragrant, making it a perfect companion for tea or coffee, or simply enjoyed on its own. Enhanced with nutrient-rich applesauce and a touch of cinnamon, this bread not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides a bit more nutritional value than standard desserts. This recipe even made it to Round Two of the Aetna Healthy Food Fight Cooking Contest, celebrating both taste and health-minded choices, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious treat without the guilt. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these loaves will brighten any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Summer Squash
2 cups (shredded (yellow variety using large holes of a grater or processor))
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup (or olive oil)
Applesauce
3/4 cup (unsweetened)
Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon (pure)
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Whole Wheat Flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Baking Soda
1 teaspoon (for leavening)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (for leavening)
Cinnamon
2 teaspoons (ground)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Clove
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Golden Raisins
1/2 cup (optional)
Nuts
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans with cooking spray or olive oil for a healthier option.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are foamy, creating a light texture.
4
Add the sugar, shredded summer squash, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the beaten eggs, stirring until well combined.
5
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
6
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until combined. Take care not to overmix as this can affect the bread’s texture.
7
Fold in the golden raisins and optional chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
10
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack, then carefully remove them from the pans.
11
Let the loaves cool completely on the cooling rack before slicing, enhancing their flavors and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ella Bella's Wholesome Summer Squash Bread Delight?
It is a moist and flavorful loaf made with golden summer squash and warm spices, designed as a healthier alternative to traditional zucchini bread.
What makes this bread a healthier option than standard desserts?
This recipe incorporates nutrient-rich applesauce and whole wheat flour, which reduces the need for heavy oils and increases the nutritional value.
What type of squash is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for yellow summer squash, shredded using the large holes of a grater or a food processor.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield two 9 x 5 inch loaves.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake the summer squash bread?
The loaves should bake for approximately 60 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil as a healthier alternative for both greasing the pans and within the batter.
What is the purpose of adding applesauce to the bread?
Unsweetened applesauce is used to provide moisture and nutritional value while allowing for a reduction in the total amount of oil used.
What spices give the bread its fragrance?
The bread is flavored with a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Do I need to sift the flour for this recipe?
Yes, sifting both the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with the other dry ingredients helps to distribute them evenly and improve the bread's texture.
How should the eggs be prepared before mixing?
The eggs should be beaten in a large mixing bowl until they are foamy to create a light texture in the bread.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to add texture and flavor.
What kind of raisins are recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of golden raisins for a sweet touch.
Was this recipe part of any cooking competition?
Yes, this recipe made it to Round Two of the Aetna Healthy Food Fight Cooking Contest.
How long should the loaves cool in the pans?
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack before removing them.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing the batter can negatively affect the bread's final texture; it is best to mix gently until just combined.
Should the summer squash be peeled before shredding?
The instructions do not specify peeling; typically, the skin of yellow summer squash is thin and can be shredded along with the flesh.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
Is there any sugar in this wholesome bread?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 cups of granulated sugar to provide sweetness.
What is the ratio of all-purpose flour to whole wheat flour?
The recipe uses an equal split of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour.
What leavening agents are used in this bread?
Both baking soda (1 teaspoon) and baking powder (1 teaspoon) are used to help the bread rise.
Can this bread be served with beverages?
Yes, it is described as a perfect companion for tea or coffee.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
While it can be made year-round, it is specifically highlighted as a seasonal recipe perfect for summer gatherings.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the overall flavor.
How should the pans be prepared?
The two loaf pans should be greased with cooking spray or olive oil.
How do you ensure the golden raisins are evenly distributed?
You should fold the raisins in at the end of the mixing process to ensure they are distributed throughout the batter.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including optional items like nuts and raisins.
What is the texture of the bread when sliced?
The bread is described as soft, moist, and fragrant.
Why is it important to let the loaves cool completely before slicing?
Cooling completely on a wire rack helps to enhance the flavors and set the texture for clean slicing.
Is the applesauce used sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifically calls for unsweetened applesauce.