This moist lemon zucchini bread is a sunny treat! Packed with fresh zucchini and zesty lemon, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime. Yummy and cheerful!
Making this bread is so much fun! I love grating the zucchini and smelling that citrusy goodness. Enjoy a slice warm with butter, and swim in happiness! 🍋🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the show! Use medium-sized zucchini, and make sure to squeeze out excess moisture after grating. If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute with finely grated carrots for a different flavor profile.
Fresh Lemons: The zest and juice bring a bright, tangy flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, lemon juice from a bottle will work; just be mindful that it might be less intense. You can also try orange juice for a twist.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness to the bread. If you prefer a healthier option, you might substitute with unsweetened applesauce or even buttermilk for a different texture.
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is the usual choice, you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like Stevia for a lower-calorie version, but this may slightly change the flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture with Grated Zucchini?
Grating zucchini is simple, but it’s important to remove excess moisture for a great texture. Here’s how:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor set to the grating attachment.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- This helps prevent the bread from being soggy, allowing it to bake evenly and remain moist without being too wet.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a deliciously moist lemon zucchini bread everyone will love! Happy baking!
Moist Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake. Don’t forget about the cooling time—let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes and then on a wire rack until it’s completely cool. In total, you should set aside at least 1 hour and 30 minutes for preparing, baking, and cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well. This will help your bread come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed—important for a nice rise!
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
Next, in a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes and is a key step for fluffy bread.
4. Adding in the Eggs and Flavorings:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until everything is well combined.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mix until fully combined. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix, or your bread may become dense!
6. Adding the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini. Folding keeps the air in the batter, which is important for a light loaf. Be careful not to squash the zucchini!
7. Pouring the Batter into the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
8. Baking the Bread:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
9. Cooling the Bread:
Once it’s finished baking, take it out of the oven and allow it to sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Making the Glaze:
While the bread cools, you can prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until it’s smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more lemon juice or sugar if needed.
11. Glazing the Bread:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it soak in a bit.
12. Slicing and Serving:
Your moist lemon zucchini bread is now ready to be sliced and enjoyed! Serve it warm or at room temperature, and get ready to savor that delightful lemony flavor paired with the moist zucchini goodness!
Enjoy the moist, tender texture bursting with fresh lemon and zucchini flavors! Happy baking!
FAQ for Moist Lemon Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will add a slightly nutty flavor and denser texture. To maintain moisture, you may want to reduce the flour amount by about 1/4 cup or increase the liquid slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Lemon Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Other Types of Citrus Juice?
Absolutely! While the lemon flavor is delightful, you can substitute with orange juice or even lime juice. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes, feel free to fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you use larger add-ins.
