Heavenly Zucchini Spice Loaf
Embrace the vibrant essence of summer with this Heavenly Zucchini Spice Loaf, a delightful creation from The Culinary Institute of America. This luscious quick bread perfectly encapsulates the moist and flavorful goodness of freshly grated zucchini, enriched with warm spices and nuttiness from toasted walnuts or pecans. Ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this loaf not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body with its wholesome ingredients. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an indulgent treat, and enjoy a glass of cold milk alongside to elevate this delectable experience.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (sifted with other dry ingredients)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with other dry ingredients)
salt
1 teaspoon (sifted with other dry ingredients)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (sifted with other dry ingredients)
freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with other dry ingredients)
ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (sifted with other dry ingredients)
zucchini (grated unpeeled)
2 1/2 cups (freshly grated)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
large eggs
4 (lightly beaten)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (measured)
orange zest
2 tablespoons (grated)
toasted walnuts or pecans
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8½-inch loaf pans by greasing them lightly and dusting them with flour.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and ground cloves to ensure even distribution and eliminate lumps. Set this mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, sugar, lightly beaten eggs, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix them by hand until you have a smooth and well-integrated mixture.
4
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Mix only until just combined; avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser bread.
5
Carefully fold in the coarsely chopped toasted nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Pour and divide the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula if necessary. Optionally, sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal.
7
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, the loaves have risen, and they spring back when pressed lightly in the center.
8
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9
Slice and serve your Heavenly Zucchini Spice Loaf warm or at room temperature, enjoying it plain or with your favorite spread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heavenly Zucchini Spice Loaf?
It is a moist and flavorful quick bread enriched with freshly grated zucchini, warm spices, and toasted walnuts or pecans, created by The Culinary Institute of America.
What are the primary dry ingredients in this recipe?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and ground cloves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings.
At what temperature should I bake the zucchini loaf?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size loaf pans are recommended?
You should use two 8.5-inch loaf pans.
How should I prepare the loaf pans before baking?
The pans should be lightly greased and dusted with flour.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?
No, the recipe specifies using unpeeled zucchini.
What warm spices are included in the loaf?
The recipe calls for ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Why should I sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices while eliminating lumps.
What are the wet ingredients for the batter?
The wet mixture consists of grated zucchini, sugar, lightly beaten eggs, vegetable oil, and orange zest.
What is the proper way to combine the dry and wet ingredients?
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can lead to a denser, less tender bread.
When should the toasted nuts be added?
Carefully fold in the coarsely chopped toasted nuts after the dry ingredients have been incorporated into the batter.
Can I use either walnuts or pecans?
Yes, you can use toasted walnuts or pecans depending on your preference.
How long does the zucchini loaf take to bake?
The loaves should bake for 50 to 55 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is done?
The bread is ready when the edges are golden brown, the loaves have risen, and they spring back when pressed lightly in the center.
What is the cooling process for the loaves?
Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Is there an optional topping I can add?
Yes, you can sprinkle sunflower seeds on top of the batter before baking for extra texture.
What are some suggested ways to serve the loaf?
It can be served warm with butter or a drizzle of honey, and paired with a glass of cold milk.
What kind of citrus flavor is in this bread?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of grated orange zest.
How much zucchini is required for this recipe?
You will need 2.5 cups of freshly grated zucchini.
What kind of oil is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 4 large, lightly beaten eggs.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The loaf contains 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What amount of flour should I use?
The recipe requires 3.5 cups of all-purpose flour.
Who is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is provided by The Culinary Institute of America.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even as a comforting dessert.
What is the texture of the Heavenly Zucchini Spice Loaf?
It is described as a luscious, moist quick bread with added crunch from nuts.
Can I serve the loaf at room temperature?
Yes, the loaf can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda.