This moist zucchini cheese bread is a delightful mix of fresh zucchini and melted cheese. It’s soft, cheesy, and perfect for any time of the day!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of bread baking? I love serving it warm, and it’s great with a little butter on top. Get ready to enjoy something amazing! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but if you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini is key for moisture. If zucchini is scarce, yellow squash is a good substitute, or you can use applesauce for a sweeter twist.
Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for a rich flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or even feta for a unique taste. Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If allergies are a concern or you want to keep it nut-free, simply leave them out or substitute with sunflower seeds.
How Do You Properly Prepare Zucchini for Baking?
Getting zucchini ready is crucial for the best bread. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly.
- Grate it using a box grater or food processor, depending on your preference for texture.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Measure out the squeezed zucchini for your recipe. This will help keep your bread perfectly moist without being wet.
These steps will ensure your zucchini cheese bread turns out delicious every time!
Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, with excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella works well)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful zucchini cheese bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 55-65 minutes to bake. Once it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before cooling completely on a wire rack. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This ensures your beautiful bread doesn’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. This blend creates a flavorful base for your bread.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together until everything is well combined and smooth. This mix gives the bread its sweet and moist texture!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Fold in Zucchini and Cheese:
Next, gently fold in the grated zucchini and shredded cheese. If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to add them too! Make sure everything is well combined but still fluffy.
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the heavenly smell that fills your kitchen!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain its perfect texture.
8. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your delicious zucchini cheese bread and serve it warm. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee as a delightful snack or breakfast treat!
This moist zucchini cheese bread stays tender thanks to the zucchini and cheese, giving it a deliciously savory flavor that you won’t be able to resist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Green Zucchini with Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini in this recipe. Just follow the same preparation steps and enjoy a slightly different flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about a week.
Can I Freeze This Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Yes! This bread freezes well. After it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or warm it in the oven.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs for a Vegan Version?
For a totally egg-free version, you can use a flax egg! To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like, then mix it into your wet ingredients.
