Lemon zucchini bread is a delicious and moist quick bread that combines the refreshing citrus flavour of lemons with the subtle sweetness of zucchini. It’s a delightful treat that incorporates the bright and tangy taste of lemons into a classic zucchini bread recipe.
The resulting bread is moist, tender, and bursting with lemon flavour. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee and can be enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. Some variations may also include optional additions like chopped nuts, poppy seeds, or a lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe
Lemon zucchini bread is a wonderful way to utilize the abundance of zucchini during the summer months and adds a refreshing twist to traditional zucchini bread. The bread typically contains grated zucchini, which adds moisture and a slightly earthy flavour to the loaf.
Lemon zest and juice are added to infuse the bread with a zesty, citrusy aroma and taste. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique and flavorful bread that is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate both fruits and vegetables into a delightful baked good that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium-sized zucchini)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in dense bread.
- Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the bread comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, you can optionally dust the top of the bread with powdered sugar for decoration.
- Slice the lemon zucchini bread and serve. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
The Best Part of Lemon Zucchini Bread
- You probably already have the pantry essentials that make up the ingredients.
- It can be made gluten-free with a simple flour substitution.
- It appears elegant enough to be served to guests during a brunch or celebration.
- You may prepare this bread in advance and preserve it for up to six months because it freezes nicely.
- This lemon zucchini bread is simple to make into delightful single-serve muffins as well.
Is Lemon Zucchini Bread Healthy?
Lemon zucchini bread can be a relatively healthier option compared to other baked goods, but it still contains some ingredients that should be consumed in moderation. Here are some considerations regarding the healthiness of lemon zucchini bread:
- Nutritional Benefits: Lemon zucchini bread incorporates zucchini, which is a vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Zucchini adds moisture and nutritional value to the bread, providing essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Reduced Fat: Compared to some other bread recipes, lemon zucchini bread typically uses vegetable oil instead of butter, which can reduce the saturated fat content. Vegetable oil is a healthier fat option that can help maintain a better balance of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Moderation: While lemon zucchini bread may contain healthier ingredients like zucchini and lemon juice, it is still a baked good that usually includes sugar and refined flour. These ingredients contribute to the overall carbohydrate and calorie content of the bread. It’s important to enjoy lemon zucchini bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Customization: You can make adjustments to the recipe to increase its healthiness. For example, you can reduce the amount of sugar used or substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add more fibre and nutrients. Additionally, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to reduce refined sugar content.
- Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes when enjoying lemon zucchini bread. It’s easy to consume more calories and carbohydrates than necessary if large portions are eaten. Stick to a reasonable serving size to help maintain a balanced diet.
Do You Leave The Skin On Zucchini When Making Bread?
When making zucchini bread, it is generally recommended to leave the skin on the zucchini. The skin of zucchini is edible and contains additional nutrients and fibre. Including the skin in the bread adds texture and visual appeal.
However, personal preference and the condition of the zucchini can also play a role. If the zucchini has tough or waxed skin, you may choose to peel it before grating.
Additionally, if you prefer a smoother texture in your zucchini bread, you can peel the zucchini. Keep in mind that peeling the zucchini will result in a slightly different texture and may reduce some of the nutritional benefits. If you decide to leave the skin on, make sure to thoroughly wash the zucchini before grating to remove any dirt or contaminants.
Do You Have To Dry Zucchini When Making Bread?
Yes, it is important to remove excess moisture from zucchini when making zucchini bread. Zucchini has a high water content, and if not properly drained or dried, it can release moisture during baking, resulting in wet and dense bread.
To dry zucchini for zucchini bread, follow these steps:
- Grate the zucchini: Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating blade.
- Squeeze out the moisture: Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the ends of the cloth and twist it tightly to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You can also use your hands to press and squeeze the grated zucchini to remove excess liquid.
- Repeat if necessary: If the zucchini still feels moist, you can repeat the squeezing process with a fresh cloth or repeat the process in batches if you have a large amount of zucchini.
How to Store Lemon Zucchini Bread?
Lemon-zucchini bread freezes wonderfully. I love to freeze it without the sprinkle of lemon glaze. The sweet bread loaf should be completely cooled before being wrapped in aluminium foil and plastic wrap. I like to seal a freezer-safe bag with neatly wrapped bread inside of it. Although this final step is not required, knowing that my loaf won’t get dry or freezer-burnt makes me feel better. For up to three months, freeze it.
For two to three days, this bread keeps well on the counter at room temperature. It can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
Is Lemon Zucchini Bread Safe for Pregnant Woman?
- Quality Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients used in the bread, including the zucchini, are fresh, properly washed, and handled hygienically to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Pasteurized Eggs: If the recipe calls for raw eggs, it’s recommended to use pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of salmonella infection, which can be harmful to pregnant women. Alternatively, you can use an egg substitute or choose recipes that don’t require raw eggs.
- Zucchini Preparation: Thoroughly wash the zucchini before grating to remove any dirt or contaminants. If the zucchini has tough or waxed skin, you may consider peeling it. Properly dry the grated zucchini to remove excess moisture.
- Moderation and Variety: Like with any food, it’s important to consume lemon zucchini bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Ensure that you’re also incorporating a variety of other nutritious foods to meet your nutritional needs during pregnancy.
- Dietary Restrictions: If you have specific dietary restrictions or are advised by your healthcare provider to avoid certain ingredients, it’s important to follow their guidance and make appropriate modifications to the recipe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lemon zucchini bread is a delightful and flavorful treat that combines the tangy taste of lemons with the subtle sweetness of zucchini. It offers a unique twist on traditional zucchini bread by incorporating the refreshing citrus flavour of lemons. The combination of grated zucchini, lemon zest, and lemon juice creates a moist and tender bread with a bright and zesty aroma.
The addition of these ingredients not only adds flavour but also provides added moisture and nutritional value to the zucchini. With its vibrant lemon flavour, moist texture, and subtle addition of zucchini, lemon zucchini bread is a wonderful treat that is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
