Zucchini Bread

This easy zucchini bread recipe is the best I've tried! Packed with zucchini and cinnamon, it's super moist and flavorful. Plan on having a second slice.

Zucchini bread

This easy zucchini bread recipe is the best I’ve tried.

  • It’s super moist,
  • warmly spiced,
  • studded with crunchy walnuts,
  • and PACKED with shredded zucchini, so you can use up a good portion of your summer squash haul in one go.

If there’s something else you look for in a zucchini bread recipe, let me know, but to me, this one is perfection. I love that all the ingredients are pantry basics, that the batter is a breeze to stir together, and that the recipe yields two loaves. Freeze one for later or share it with a friend…and then, if you’re me, make this zucchini bread recipe again. I mean, it’s zucchini season! The more zucchini bread, the merrier, right?

Zucchini bread recipe ingredients

How to Make Zucchini Bread

The great thing about this zucchini bread recipe is that, like other quick bread recipes (i.e., banana bread or pumpkin bread), it’s super easy to make! You don’t need any special equipment here—just a box grater, a couple of mixing bowls, and two loaf pans. The ingredients are simple too.

Zucchini Bread Recipe Ingredients

  • Zucchini, of course! It makes this quick bread amazingly moist.
  • All-purpose flourSpoon and level it to avoid packing too much into your measuring cup.
  • Baking powder, baking soda, and eggs – They help the loaves rise.
  • Cinnamon and vanilla extract – For warm, cozy depth of flavor.
  • Cane sugar – It sweetens the zucchini bread.
  • Vegetable oil – It adds moisture and richness.
  • Walnuts – For crunch.
  • And sea salt – To make all the flavors pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Mixing shredded zucchini into wet ingredients

How to Prep Zucchini for Bread

To make this recipe, you’ll need 3 cups of shredded zucchini, from about 2 medium squash.

If you’ve never grated zucchini before, it’s super easy—just shred it on the large holes of a box grater. There’s no need to peel the zucchini or remove the seeds. You also shouldn’t press or squeeze any of the excess moisture out of it. You want all that to go into the bread!

Wet ingredients in mixing bowl with rubber spatula

Once you shred the zucchini, make the batter. Mix together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Add the zucchini to the wet ingredients and fold to combine.

Hands using spatula to combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Careful not to overmix! If you do, the quick bread will be dense.

Fold in the nuts.

Pouring zucchini bread batter into loaf pans

Next, pour the batter into two greased loaf pans. It’s ok if the two pans aren’t the same size or material, but keep in mind that the loaves might bake at different rates. I recommend checking them early to avoid over-baking.

Sprinkle more nuts over the tops of the loaves…

And bake at 325°F for 40 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops of the loaves spring back to the touch.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Sprinkling walnuts over best zucchini bread before baking

Best Zucchini Bread Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overmix. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, stir just until they’re combined. Overmixing the batter will start to develop the gluten in the flour, which can make for dense loaves. We want them to be light and tender instead!
  • Give it time to cool. If you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to slice into the bread as soon as it comes out of the oven (heads up: your kitchen will smell amazing). But if you can resist, let it cool for an hour instead. I promise that it will taste even better after it cools. It will have a moister texture, and the flavor from the spices and vanilla will have deepened.
  • Use a different summer squash. Green zucchini isn’t the only type of squash that will work in this bread! Sub in yellow zucchini, striped zucchini, or yellow squash instead. They’ll all yield a moist, flavorful bread.
  • Change up the mix-ins. Not feeling walnuts? Replace them with pecans, or swap in dried cherries, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips. A walnut/chocolate chip combo is fantastic too!

How to Store Zucchini Bread

Homemade zucchini bread keeps well for up to 4 days after baking. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Can you freeze zucchini bread?

Yes, this easy zucchini bread also freezes well! Wrap up the entire loaf, or store individual slices in freezer bags or airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

I like to freeze individual slices so that I can thaw one at a time for breakfast or a snack. Let them sit at room temperature for an hour to thaw, or zap them in the microwave to quickly reheat.

Zucchini bread recipe

More Favorite Zucchini Recipes

If you love this zucchini bread, try one of these easy zucchini recipes next:

zucchini bread

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zucchini bread

Zucchini Bread

rate this recipe:
4.94 from 101 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves 16
Our best zucchini bread recipe! This easy quick bread is super moist, warmly spiced, and studded with crunchy walnuts. It's the perfect breakfast or snack.

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease two 8x4 or 9x5-inch loaf pans.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add the grated zucchini and fold to combine.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the walnuts.
  • Divide the batter between the prepared pans and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake for 40 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops of the loaves spring back to the touch.

198 comments

4.94 from 101 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Jean Ann Reuter
    06.30.2024

    Great Recipe so moist and absolutely delicious ?

  2. Shira
    06.30.2024

    5 stars
    So yummy! It was easily veganizable and a great after-dinner treat for when you have too much zucchini from the CSA!

  3. Katie
    06.30.2024

    5 stars
    This came out wonderful! I used applesauce instead of the veg oil and maple syrup and coconut sugar for the sugar sub cause that’s what I had on hand. I did one bread and used the rest of the batter for muffins. Whole family enjoyed this

  4. Nancy Dennis
    06.30.2024

    5 stars
    Delish! I made this with golden raisins, no nuts. Will make again!

  5. Margaret Lewis
    06.30.2024

    5 stars
    Very good recipe. Moist and flavorful. I added some grated carrots to amp up the nutrition with extra veggies. I also added a tsp of garam masala. Delicious. Perfect for dessert or snacking.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      07.12.2024

      Hi Margaret, ooh that sounds delicious!

  6. Susan Collison
    06.29.2024

    5 stars
    Veggies don’t get much better than this! I used part applesauce for the oil in this delicious zucchini bread recipe. I love how moist it is. It won’t last long at our house! A generous slice made for a wonderful dessert after dinner…and will be a nice addition to Sunday brunch! Thank you for the recipe <3

  7. Susan Collison
    06.29.2024

    5 stars
    Veggies don’t get much better than this! I used part applesauce for the oil in this delicious zucchini bread recipe. I love how moist it is. It won’t last long at our house! A generous slice made for a wonderful dessert after dinner…and will be a nice addition to Sunday brunch! Thank you for the recipe

  8. Jackie Macy
    06.29.2024

    5 stars
    I loved being able to make more than one loaf of bread with the recipe…to satisfy all the preferences of the household. I made one large loaf with mini chips and three mini loafs with a mix of walnuts and dark chunks. I didn’t make adjustments for high altitude and all the loaves turned out great! Thank you!

  9. Kayla Reichstadt
    06.29.2024

    5 stars
    What a great recipe! I made a couple modifications to spice things up and make them my own! 🙂 I incorporated super ripe bananas into the batter to create an incredibly moist zucchini and banana version. I also decided to make them into muffins instead of a standard loaf and added a dollop of cream cheese into the center to add some creaminess and tanginess. This helped to balance the spice and sweetness from my final addition of chocolate chips and cinnamon chips! Thanks for sharing!

  10. Marilyn
    06.29.2024

    This bread is absolutely delicious! Be sure to mix the dry ingredients well. I did not and that mistake made one of the loaves saltier than it was supposed to be.

  11. Rhea
    06.29.2024

    This was simply fantastic! I used sugar free chocolate chips in the second loaf and omitted the nuts from the first. I plan to sub with almond flour next but this is a for sure keeper! My entire family enjoyed it!

    • Rhea
      06.29.2024

      5 stars
      I forgot to rate it but for sure 5 stars

  12. Will P
    06.28.2024

    5 stars
    This is a great zucchini bread recipe and I loved how much it made. I ended up making a 9×5 loaf and two small loaves. The recipe made a delicious bread that was moist and my family loved the addition of the walnuts. I will be making this again!

  13. Adrienne
    06.27.2024

    5 stars
    Great recipe. It was easy to make and the Zucchini bread is moist and delicious. Perfect treat!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      06.28.2024

      Hi Adrienne, I’m so glad you loved it!

  14. Daisy
    06.27.2024

    5 stars
    June 2024 is my first month joining the cooking club. I made a regular sized loaf and three mini loaves, two with chocolate chips. I also made this recipe vegan according to the provided instructions. I gave two of the mini loaves to my neighbors and kept the rest! So delicious, no one missed the eggs!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      06.28.2024

      Hi Daisy, thanks for joining in! I’m so glad the zucchini bread was a hit.

  15. Jenifer
    06.27.2024

    5 stars
    It is delicious! I swapped out the flour for 1:1 gluten-free flour and left the walnuts whole for extra bite. Also sprinkled some turbinado sugar on top. Divine!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      06.28.2024

      I’m so glad you loved it, Jenifer!

  16. Victoria
    06.26.2024

    5 stars
    Sooooo good! My first zucchini bread experience, made with homegrown golden zucchini. I did pecans and chocolate chips.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      06.28.2024

      Hi Victoria, pecans and chocolate chips would be sooo yummy in this bread! So glad you loved it.

  17. kristin
    06.26.2024

    The first recipe I baked in my new apartment! also made some more of your delicious banana bread while I had all the supplies out. all in mini loaf sizes 🙂 so good, thank you!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      06.28.2024

      Hi Kristin, congrats on your new place!! So glad you enjoyed both quick breads.

  18. Linda
    06.26.2024

    5 stars
    I haven’t made zucchini bread in decades — maybe I was just waiting for this great recipe to find its way to me. What really convinced me to try it was the “no squeezing out the liquid from the grated zucchini”. I mean, who needs the extra stress of wondering whether you’ve prepped the zucchini properly. This recipe makes it so easy and delicious. I baked the batter into 3 mini loaves (with walnuts on top) plus 6 jumbo muffins (with a sprinkle of crystal sugar). I’ll be baking another batch this week. Yum!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      06.28.2024

      Hi Linda, I’m so glad you loved the zucchini bread!

  19. Krystal
    06.26.2024

    5 stars
    This zucchini bread is delicious! I made the vegan version using flax eggs and increasing the baking powder to 1 Tbsp. This was very easy to make, my daughter, who is 14 actually did most of it herself!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      06.28.2024

      Hi Krystal, I’m so glad you loved the zucchini bread!

  20. Mary
    06.25.2024

    We love zucchini bread! My son has been asking for me to make it since summer started. Love how yours uses bigger shreds vs the finely shred side.

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Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.