Lightened Blueberry Zucchini Delight Bread
This Lightened Blueberry Zucchini Delight Bread is a delightful twist on a classic recipe that brings together the subtle flavor of zucchini and the sweetness of fresh blueberries. Enhanced with aromatic notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread is moist and satisfying without being overly indulgent. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe yields two loaves which can easily be shared or frozen for later enjoyment. Each slice offers a wholesome taste, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters who still want to indulge in a sweet treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
3 (beaten slightly)
Unsweetened applesauce
1 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
4 teaspoons (none)
Sugar
2 1/4 cups (none)
Zucchini, shredded
2 cups (shredded)
All-purpose flour
3 cups (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Blueberries
1 pint (fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two large loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a whisk until they are slightly frothy.
3
Add the unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and sugar to the bowl and blend well until the mixture is smooth.
4
Fold in the shredded zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
6
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
7
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
9
Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened Blueberry Zucchini Delight Bread?
It is a moist quick bread that combines the subtle flavor of shredded zucchini with fresh blueberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg, using applesauce to keep it lighter.
What makes this recipe a lightened version?
This recipe is lightened by using one cup of unsweetened applesauce, which typically replaces oil or butter found in traditional quick bread recipes.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields two large loaves, making it perfect for sharing or freezing.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the loaf pans?
You should grease two large loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 eggs, which should be beaten slightly until frothy.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones; just be careful not to over-mix to prevent the batter from turning blue.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding?
No, you do not need to peel the zucchini. The skin is thin and adds beautiful green flecks to the bread.
How much zucchini is required?
You will need 2 cups of shredded zucchini.
What type of flour is used in this bread?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of sugar.
What spices provide the aromatic notes in this bread?
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon) and ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon) provide the aromatic flavor profile.
Is there a specific way to mix the wet ingredients?
Yes, beat the eggs first, then blend in the applesauce, vanilla, and sugar until the mixture is smooth before adding the zucchini.
How should the dry ingredients be added?
The dry ingredients should be combined in a separate bowl and then gradually added to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Why shouldn't I over-mix the batter?
Over-mixing can lead to a tough or dense bread; mix only until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What is the baking time for the loaves?
The loaves should bake for approximately 50 minutes.
How do I check if the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it is done if the toothpick comes out clean.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for 20 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly once completely cool.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Yes, its wholesome ingredients and lightened profile make it a great option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses both 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the volume of blueberries needed?
The recipe calls for 1 pint of fresh blueberries.
How do I incorporate the blueberries?
Gently fold them into the batter at the very end to avoid crushing them.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
The recipe specifies unsweetened applesauce; if you use sweetened, the bread may be significantly sweeter than intended.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this recipe does not contain milk or butter, making it dairy-free.
What should I use to smooth the tops of the batter?
Use a spatula to even out the batter after dividing it between the two loaf pans.
Does the zucchini need to be squeezed dry?
The recipe does not specify squeezing the zucchini; the natural moisture usually helps create the desired texture.
How should the bread be stored?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.