This moist zucchini cheese bread combines the goodness of fresh zucchini with yummy cheese, creating a tasty treat. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, I can never get enough of this bread! It’s cozy and delicious, and I love to enjoy it warm with a bit of butter. You’ll want to make it often, trust me! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grated Zucchini: Zucchini adds moisture and texture to the bread. You can substitute it with yellow squash if you can’t find zucchini. Just make sure to grate and drain excess moisture for the best results.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor kick, while mozzarella adds gooeyness. If you prefer a different taste, swap for Monterey Jack or Gouda. Both melt beautifully!
Fats: I use vegetable oil for moisture, but you can use melted butter for a richer flavor or even applesauce for a healthier twist if you’re watching fats.
How Do I Prevent My Bread from Being Too Dense?
To ensure your zucchini cheese bread is light and fluffy, pay attention to mixing. Don’t overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients. Aim for just combined. Also, incorporate the grated zucchini gently so it remains fluffy!
- Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise.
- Don’t pack the flour too tightly when measuring; spoon it into the measuring cup instead.
- Adding a bit of air while you mix can create a lighter texture.
Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Time Needed:
This delightful zucchini cheese bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 55 to 65 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let it cool for about 15 more minutes before slicing. So, in total, plan for about 1.5 hours to make and enjoy your bread!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with a little oil or butter, then dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, take your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until well combined. Set this bowl aside for now; we’ll come back to it shortly.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, crack in your eggs and add the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together with a whisk or mixer until smooth and creamy. It should feel nice and fluffy!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Next, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps—don’t overmix!
5. Add Zucchini and Cheese:
Now it’s time to fold in your grated zucchini, shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella cheese, and any nuts you’re using. Mix it gently with a spatula, so everything is nicely combined without losing all that air you incorporated earlier.
6. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly.
7. Bake:
Pop the loaf pan into the oven and let it bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your moist zucchini cheese bread and enjoy! It makes a wonderful snack or a lovely breakfast treat.
This recipe yields a deliciously moist bread, balancing the flavors of zucchini and cheese with warm spices. You’ll find it perfect for any time of day!
FAQ for Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before measuring. This will help maintain the right moisture level in the bread.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer different cheeses, try using Gruyère, feta, or even a cheese blend. Just ensure that any cheese you use is shredded for easy incorporation into the batter.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you want a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar by half or substitute a sugar alternative. Additionally, using whole wheat flour in place of regular flour can add more fiber. Just remember that this may alter the texture slightly.
