Description
Delicious and moist Lemon Zucchini Bread combines fresh zucchini and zesty lemons for a flavorful twist on classic quick bread. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light olive oil (not extra-virgin)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans to prevent sticking and set them aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Create Lemon Sugar Mixture: In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers until fragrant to release the oils and enhance the lemon flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the lemon sugar mixture, add the eggs, light olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined, ensuring an even base for the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; the batter should be thick. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Incorporate Zucchini: Gently fold in the grated zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Remove the loaves from the oven and set them on a cooling rack. Let them cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Then, run a knife along the sides, carefully remove the loaves from the pans, and cool completely on the rack.
- Make Lemon Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled loaves. Slice and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Notes
- Use light olive oil instead of extra-virgin to avoid overpowering the delicate lemon flavor.
- Make sure to grate the zucchini finely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy bread.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean to ensure the bread is fully cooked.
- The glaze adds a refreshing tartness and sweetness – adjust lemon juice quantity to taste.
- Store leftover bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/24th of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg