Tasty Healthy Zucchini Bread
Zucchini Bread is a delightful, nutritious twist on the classic recipe, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. This version combines shredded zucchini with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup), and heart-healthy oils. The bread is moist, subtly sweet, and lightly spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor. Optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or dark chocolate chips can enhance the taste and texture. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that sneaks in a serving of veggies without compromising on flavor!
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Ingredients
- â…“ cup melted margarine or extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup honey Note 1
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini
- 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
- Optional: ¾ cup roughly chopped raw walnuts or almond slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick or I find it's better to line the loaf pan with parchment paper for quick and easy cleanup.
- Toast the nuts: You only need this step if you plan to add them to the batter before baking. Once the oven is preheated, spread the chopped nuts evenly on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 4 minutes, stirring halfway, until they are fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Combine the olive oil or melted margarine and honey in a mixing bowl. Beat them with a fork or something similar until they are both combined. Add the eggs and beat well.
- Add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg, then whisk until well blended. Switch to a large spoon and stir in the zucchini, squeezing out any excess moisture beforehand. Gradually add the flour, stirring until everything is combined—it's OK if there are a few lumps! If you're using toasted nuts, gently fold them at this stage.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan, put butter on the sides of the bread pan, and lightly sprinkle with extra cinnamon.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use a serrated knife to slice it into individual pieces.
Notes
Note 1: Alternatively use brown or white sugar. You may need to adjust amounts as honey is typically sweeter and liquid.