Last Updated on March 20, 2023
If you are a fan of quick bread, you will love this sensational Ina Garten zucchini bread recipe. Using fresh zucchini makes this bread extra delicious. It is sure to be your favorite, along with your friends and family.
This delicious recipe is simple to make and requires no prior baking experience, which is great if you are new to baking. It is moist and flavorful, making it a great bread for any occasion. This will surely be a hit around your house.
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups zucchini
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Vegetable Grater
- Two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans
- Cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One: Preheat Oven and Grease the Loaf Pans
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray both loaf pans with cooking spray.
Step Two: Peel and Shred the Zucchini
Thoroughly wash your zucchini. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Then, use a vegetable grater to shred your zucchini, removing the seeds if they are large.
Step Three: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Step Four: Combine Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla using an electric mixer. Beat at medium speed until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step Five: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet ones
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat the mixture at low speed until combined. The mixture will be thick.
Step Six: Add the Zucchini
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the shredded zucchini into the mixture. If desired, fold the chopped walnuts into the mixture as well.
Step Seven: Bake the Bread
Evenly pour the batter into the two loaf pans. Bake for 55-65 minutes, inserting a toothpick to see if it is done. If it comes out clean, the bread is done, if there are crumbs or batter, continue to bake.
Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pans. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack so they can completely cool.
Servings and Preparation Time
Tips and Tricks for Ina Garten Zucchini Bread Recipe
Store your zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or you can also store it in the fridge. The zucchini bread will last for up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container.
The bread also freezes well. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then cover it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. The bread can last in the freezer for 3-6 months.
When ready to eat, allow the bread to thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours. You may also place it in the fridge overnight to thaw as well. If desired, microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
If you are not a fan of walnuts, you may leave them out of the recipe. You can also add chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries if desired. Each one will taste delicious if added to zucchini bread.
If your zucchini is moist, use a paper towel to remove the excess moisture. Gently pat the shredded zucchini and if needed, use the paper towel to squeeze out the moisture. Too much moisture from the zucchini can mess up the consistency of the zucchini bread.
If you are concerned your bread will taste like zucchini, don’t worry. The zucchini flavor is subtle, so you will barely taste it. The zucchini is added to make the bread moist, allowing the delicious spices to shine through.
Sensational Ina Garten Zucchini Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Vegetable Grater
- Two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans
- Cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups zucchini
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Grease the Loaf Pans - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray both loaf pans with cooking spray.
- Peel and Shred the Zucchini - Thoroughly wash your zucchini. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Then, use a vegetable grater to shred your zucchini, removing the seeds if they are large.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Combine Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, and Eggs - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla using an electric mixer. Beat at medium speed until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet ones - Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Beat the mixture at low speed until combined. The mixture will be thick.
- Add the Zucchini - Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the shredded zucchini into the mixture. If desired, fold the chopped walnuts into the mixture as well.
- Bake the Bread - Evenly four the batter into the two loaf pans. Bake for 55-65 minutes, inserting a toothpick to see if it is done. If it comes out clean, the bread is done, if there are crumbs or batter, continue to bake.
- Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pans. Afterward, transfer to a wire rack so they can completely cool.
Notes
What Does Baking Soda Do in Zucchini Bread?
Unlike most bread, zucchini bread does not use yeast as its leavening agent. Examples of leavening agents are ingredients such as yeast, baking powder, and baking soda. They help the bread to rise and keep it light. When it comes to zucchini bread, the baking powder helps the bread to rise. However, if you’re looking for the reason for that moist taste and texture – that all comes down to the zucchini!
Can You Use Crookneck Squash for Zucchini Bread?
If you’re unsure what crookneck squash is, it’s actually a type of zucchini. It gets its name because of its crooked neck. However, it does look very similar to zucchini, it is just a different color. Crookneck squash is usually bright yellow. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a sweeter loaf of bread, as this is one of the sweetest types of zucchini you’ll find.
Where is Zucchini Bread From?
Zucchini seems to have been around since the 19th century in Italy (however, others think it’s been around for thousands of years). When Italians immigrated to the US, they’re said to have bought this delicious vegetable. As zucchini grows relatively fast and is so versatile, the US is said to have introduced zucchini into their bread products at some point in the 19th century. Nowadays, zucchini bread has its national day in the US, which falls on the 25th of April each year.
What to Top Zucchini Bread With?
There are two main toppings for zucchini bread that I always opt for. The first is an iced glaze. It’s incredibly simple and just requires 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of warm heavy whipping cream. Add the ingredients together into a bowl and then pour over your baked bread – it really is that easy!
You could also make a streusel topping, but this should be poured over the top of the bread batter. You’ll need 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients together and mix well.
- Now pour in your melted butter and stir.
- Now pour the topping over the top of the bread batter.
How to Cut Zucchini Bread?
If you have a bread slicer, cutting bread is easy. However, without one, it can become increasingly difficult. We have a foolproof method to share with you. Turn your bread upside down and cut as you usually would. It’s best to start from the bottom to the top because the bottom of the bread is often much sturdier and will make it easier to slice through the loaf without any problems. Repeat this method until you’ve sliced the entire loaf.
Can You Make Zucchini Bread Without Nutmeg?
Of course! While nutmeg is a popular spice in zucchini bread, it doesn’t need to be added. Flavorings such as cinnamon and vanilla work well in zucchini bread, so try adding one of those instead.
What Can I Substitute For Oil in Zucchini Bread?
The best options for alternatives to oil are applesauce and butter. Both can be directly swapped into your recipe in place of oil. For example, if your recipe uses one cup of oil, you’d need one cup of applesauce or one cup of butter. Butter is great for adding a rich, buttery flavor; whereas applesauce will make your bread sweeter and add moistness.
Delicious Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread Recipe
This zucchini bread is a great recipe to bake during summertime. It is great for brunch, tea time, or even just as a snack. This recipe is also great for dinner parties and potlucks, as everyone is guaranteed to love this delicious bread.
Whether you serve it plain or with butter, it is sure to be a hit among your family. It is a simple recipe that is great to keep on hand if you get a sweet tooth craving.
Did you enjoy this Ina Garten zucchini bread recipe? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments and share this post with your family and friends.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
