This moist zucchini banana bread is a delicious twist on a classic favorite! With soft bananas and fresh zucchini mixed in, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love how easy it is to whip up, and my house smells amazing while it bakes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies—who doesn’t want that? 🥒🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini adds moisture without overpowering the flavor. You can also use yellow squash if you have that on hand. Just make sure to squeeze out the excess water, or your bread may turn out too mushy!
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If you have frozen bananas, just thaw and mash them. They work great, too. If you want to avoid bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be used as a replacement.
Vegetable Oil: While I prefer vegetable oil for its neutral flavor, melted coconut oil adds a nice touch. You could also use melted butter for a richer flavor, but it may slightly alter the bread’s moisture level.
Flour: All-purpose flour is typical, but you can substitute whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed. Just note that this might change the texture a bit.
Walnuts or Chocolate Chips: For an extra crunch or sweetness, I love adding walnuts or chocolate chips. If there are nut allergies, you can skip them entirely or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
How Do I Get the Best Texture in My Zucchini Banana Bread?
The key to a moist and fluffy zucchini banana bread lies in the mixing technique and measuring. Here’s how to achieve the perfect texture:
- Grate the zucchini finely and squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean towel. Too much water can make the bread soggy.
- Measure your flour accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Scooping directly can lead to packed flour, making the bread dense.
- Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create tough bread. Fold in the ingredients gently.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. This helps maintain its shape and moisture.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously moist zucchini banana bread every time! Enjoy with friends or family.
How to Make Moist Zucchini Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake, making the total time about 1 hour and 20 minutes. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. That’s not too long for such a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray, and then sprinkle a little flour over it to prevent sticking.
2. Grate the Zucchini:
Using a box grater, grate the zucchini until you have 1 cup. After grating, take the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently squeeze out the excess moisture. This step helps keep your bread from getting too soggy!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated zucchini, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well. This mixture will add moisture and sweetness to your bread!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices in your bread.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to fold in the dry ingredients gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your bread tough.
7. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now. They’ll add a delightful crunch and flavor to your bread.
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
9. Bake Your Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy it plain or with a bit of butter—perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!
Enjoy your baking adventure and the delightful smells that will fill your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and then drain any excess moisture using a towel before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the bread’s texture.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need a substitute for eggs, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water and allowed to sit until thickened) for each egg. This will help keep the bread moist and fluffy!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover zucchini banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Absolutely! You can customize your banana bread by adding ingredients like dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower), or spices (like nutmeg or ginger) to enhance the flavor further. Just be sure not to overfill the batter!
