How to Make Quick & Healthy Zucchini Bread

Without a doubt, my favorite kind of bread is zucchini bread—moist, fluffy, and packed with warm, cozy flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. Really, what’s not to love? I’ll admit, the first time I baked zucchini bread, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Vegetables in bread? But the moment I took my first bite, I understood. This is the kind of bread that disappears fast—people will be asking for a slice before you’ve even finished cutting it!

The best part? Zucchini bread is one of those sneaky, feel-good treats. It tastes like an indulgence, but thanks to zucchini’s high water content and nutrients, it adds moisture and a boost of fiber without weighing the bread down. Plus, my recipe leans into Greek yogurt and walnuts, making it even more satisfying while keeping things balanced and wholesome. The spices, crunch, and natural sweetness all come together for a loaf that’s irresistibly soft with just the right texture.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bake the perfect zucchini bread—from grating the zucchini to getting that beautiful golden crust. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get baking!

The Ingredients Breakdown

• Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and texture without making the bread taste like vegetables.
• Cinnamon and Vanilla: These two flavor powerhouses add warmth and coziness to the bread, making it feel like a hug in loaf form.
• Walnuts: Chosen walnuts are perfect for a little crunch and earthy flavor. They balance out the softness of the bread beautifully.
• Greek Yogurt: This is where the magic happens. Greek yogurt keeps the bread extra moist while adding a subtle tang that complements the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The mix of sugars creates a perfectly balanced sweetness, with brown sugar adding a hint of caramel.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and help give the bread structure and fluffiness.

Ingredients

• • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 large zucchini)
  • 2 cups chopped walnuts (optional but highly recommended)

How to Make Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease and flour it lightly. This ensures that your zucchini bread pops out beautifully without sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. These dry ingredients will form the base of your zucchini bread, so mix them well to avoid clumps of baking soda or cinnamon later on.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and Greek yogurt. The mixture should start to lighten in color and become smooth. Then, add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, whisking until it’s all combined and silky.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is almost combined. The key here is not to overmix! You want the batter to come together but still have a few streaks of flour left—this helps keep the bread light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fold in the Zucchini and Walnuts

Time for the stars of the show! Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped walnuts until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Thanks to the zucchini, you’ll notice how the batter starts to look extra moist.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean. Your kitchen is about to smell like heaven—warm, spiced, and sweet!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the zucchini bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for allowing the bread set and develop its full flavor.

The Best Ways to Enjoy Zucchini Bread

• Toasted with Butter: Slice it thick, toast it, and slather on some butter. The slight crispiness on the outside with the soft, tender inside is pure perfection.
• With a Spread of Cream Cheese: Trust me, the tanginess of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bread.
• Turn It Into French Toast: Yes, you heard that right! Dip slices of zucchini bread in an egg mixture and cook like French toast for the most indulgent breakfast ever.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making zucchini bread, I hope this recipe inspires you to dive in. It’s a deceptively simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, texture, and cozy vibes. 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab that zucchini, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some seriously delicious, healthy bread! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—drop a comment below and let me know your favorite way to enjoy zucchini bread. Or, share it with your friends on social media and tag us @zulay_kitchen with #ZucchiniBread!

Get More Tasty Recipes

Looking for more delicious recipes? Be sure to check out some of our other favorites, from moist cakes to hearty fall soups, on our blog. There’s something for everyone, no matter the season!