Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 3 cups grated fresh zucchini (about 4 small zucchini)
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup salted butter (melted)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (properly measured)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4-6 tablespoons milk (or use lemon juice for more lemon flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (plus extra for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans thoroughly, preferably using nonstick spray with flour to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the fresh zucchini and place it in a colander sitting in the sink. Allow it to drain naturally without squeezing to keep the moisture balance ideal for the bread.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, kosher salt, and melted salted butter until smooth and fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour and baking soda until just combined; be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Incorporate zucchini: Gently fold the grated zucchini into the batter until evenly distributed, ensuring not to overwork the batter.
- Fill the pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops to create an even surface.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaves for 40 to 60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a wooden toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool slightly: Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes to set before removing.
- Remove and cool completely: Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the bread, then gently lift the loaves out and transfer them to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of milk, and 2 tablespoons of lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed to achieve a thick but pourable glaze.
- Glaze the bread: Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled loaves using a spoon or a small whisk, then grate extra fresh lemon zest on top for garnish.
- Set the glaze: Allow the glaze to set and harden slightly before slicing and serving the lemon zucchini bread for best presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Do not squeeze the grated zucchini to retain moisture, which keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Ensure all-purpose flour is measured properly by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off to avoid dense bread.
- You can substitute milk in the glaze with lemon juice for an extra punch of lemon flavor, but adjust quantity to avoid too thin glaze.
- This bread is best stored at room temperature wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Check the bread at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian