Classic Zucchini Bread - freshly baked bread

Classic Zucchini Bread

Quick Breads

Moist, spiced, and secretly healthy — this zucchini bread is the best way to use up summer garden zucchini.

Prep Time

15 min

Bake Time

55 min

Servings

10

Calories

235

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Wet Ingredients

    Combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Add Dry Ingredients

    Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently until just combined — do not overmix.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

  5. 5

    Cool

    Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Baker's Notes

The number one rule of quick breads: do not overmix. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine — overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something quietly brilliant about zucchini bread: you grate a summer squash into the batter and end up with a loaf so moist it practically melts on the tongue. The trick is that zucchini contributes almost no flavour of its own — it's pure moisture, which means the real stars are the vanilla, the butter, and that gentle rise from the baking soda.

Canadian home cooks have been reaching for this recipe for decades because it's forgiving, economical, and perfect for those late-August garden hauls when the zucchinis seem to multiply overnight. It's the kind of bread you eat straight from the loaf pan at 9pm, and then actually enjoy again the next morning with coffee.

Tips for the Best Classic Zucchini Bread

Pressez bien toute l'eau de la courgette râpée — j'utilise un torchon propre et je tords fort. Vous devriez obtenir environ une tasse de courgette essorée. Et résistez à l'envie de trop mélanger ; quelques petits grumeaux sont signe que tout va bien.

What to Serve With It

Serve it warm from the oven with a smear of salted butter, or slice it cold for a lunchbox treat. Pairs beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey or a strong black coffee. If you're hosting a brunch, it holds up wonderfully alongside scrambled eggs and maple syrup.

Storage & Reheating

Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped loaf for up to three months. Slice before freezing so you can pull out individual portions, and let them thaw at room temperature for best results.

Nutrition Facts

235

cal

8g

Protein

3g

Fat

42g

Carbs

1g

Fiber

230mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to squeeze the zucchini?+

Yes. Zucchini is roughly 95% water, and if you skip squeezing, your bread will be soggy and may not bake through. Grate it, press it in a clean kitchen towel, and keep going until very little liquid comes out.

How do I know when the bread is done?+

Insert a toothpick into the centre and check after 50 minutes. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it's ready. A wet toothpick means another five minutes.

Can I mix the batter ahead of time?+

No — once the baking soda meets the wet ingredients, the leavening starts immediately. Mix and bake right away for the best rise. You can prep the dry ingredients and grate the zucchini earlier, though.

My loaf cracked on top. Is that a problem?+

Not at all. A crack on top is completely normal for quick breads and usually means the loaf rose nicely. It doesn't affect the flavour or texture inside.

Can I freeze this bread?+

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to three months. Slice before freezing so you can thaw individual portions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Do not overmix — a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
  • A crack on top is normal and desirable — it means the bread rose well.
  • Quick breads often taste even better the next day as flavours meld.

Reviews (3)

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.