Irresistible Zucchini Walnut Bread
Delight in the moist and flavorful Irresistible Zucchini Walnut Bread, a classic quick bread that celebrates the bounty of summer zucchini. This recipe combines fresh, shredded zucchini with warm spices, sweet applesauce, and crunchy walnuts, creating an aromatic loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or toasted with cream cheese, this bread will surely become a family favorite. Make a double batch to share with friends or to freeze for later—it’s that good!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
vegetable oil
1 cup (neutral-flavored)
eggs
3 (large, beaten)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
shredded zucchini
2 cups (fresh, packed)
applesauce
1/2 cup (unsweetened)
orange juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
baking soda
2 teaspoons
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
chopped walnuts
1 cup (toasted (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch loaf pans by greasing and dusting them with flour.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and well blended.
3
Incorporate the shredded zucchini, applesauce, and orange juice into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is combined thoroughly.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure a tender loaf.
6
Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irresistible Zucchini Walnut Bread?
It is a moist and flavorful quick bread featuring fresh shredded zucchini, warm spices, applesauce, and crunchy walnuts.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make two 9-inch loaves.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the loaf pans for baking?
You should prepare two 9-inch loaf pans by greasing them and dusting them with flour.
What are the primary wet ingredients in the batter?
The wet base consists of sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
How much zucchini is required for this bread?
You will need 2 cups of fresh, packed shredded zucchini.
Why is applesauce used in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce is used to add moisture and sweetness to the bread.
What is the purpose of adding orange juice?
The 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice provides moisture and a subtle citrus note.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Which leavening agents are used?
This recipe uses both 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
What spices give the bread its aromatic flavor?
Ground nutmeg and ground cinnamon provide the warm, aromatic spice profile.
How should I mix the dry ingredients?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
What is the secret to a tender loaf?
Avoid over-mixing when adding dry ingredients to the wet ingredients to ensure a tender texture.
When should the walnuts be added to the batter?
The chopped walnuts should be folded in at the very end, once the batter is just combined.
Should the walnuts be toasted?
Toasting the walnuts is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
How long does the zucchini bread take to bake?
The loaves should bake for 60 to 70 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Let the loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before moving them.
Where should the loaves finish cooling?
Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Is this zucchini bread recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Can I freeze this zucchini bread?
Yes, you can make a double batch and freeze the extra loaves for later.
What are some ways to serve this bread?
It can be served warm with butter or toasted with a layer of cream cheese.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely, it makes a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.
What type of vegetable oil should I use?
A neutral-flavored vegetable oil is best for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding?
No, there is no need to peel the zucchini; the skin is tender and adds color.
How many eggs are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 large, beaten eggs.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or prefer a smoother texture, you can leave out the walnuts.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Freshly squeezed is recommended, but bottled orange juice can be used as a substitute.
Is the sugar content adjustable?
The recipe uses 2 cups of sugar, which contributes to its moisture and sweetness; adjustments may affect the final texture.