Craving a moist, flavorful bread that’s packed with hidden veggies? Look no further! Our Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar delivers a perfectly sweet treat with a rich, caramel-like flavor, surpassing expectations and offering a delightful twist on the classic recipe. This recipe is perfect for using up that late-summer zucchini glut and satisfying your sweet tooth.
What is Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar?
Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar isn’t just your average zucchini bread. It elevates the classic treat by incorporating brown sugar, resulting in a deeply caramelized and moist loaf. The brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the subtle earthiness of the zucchini, creating a truly irresistible combination.
The result is a bread that’s incredibly tender, bursting with flavor, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables without anyone noticing! The brown sugar not only adds sweetness, but also contributes to a chewier, more satisfying texture. Ditch the ordinary and bake up a batch of this incredible bread today. You won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar:
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g) – The foundation of the bread, providing structure and texture.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become light and airy.
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – Another leavening agent to ensure a good rise and a tender crumb.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavors in the bread and balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and spice to the bread, complementing the zucchini and brown sugar.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a delicate, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Eggs: 3 large – Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s moisture and richness.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 cup (240ml) – Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. Canola or sunflower oil also work well.
- Brown Sugar: 2 cups (400g), packed – The star of the show! Provides a rich, caramel-like flavor and contributes to the bread’s moistness. Pack it firmly when measuring for accurate results.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Shredded Zucchini: 2 cups (about 2 medium) – Grated coarsely. No need to squeeze out the moisture.
- Optional: Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: 1 cup – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar:
This Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar is surprisingly easy to make, offering a rewarding baking experience. In under 90 minutes, including prep and bake time, you’ll have a fragrant loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. The brown sugar adds a caramel-like dimension that elevates this classic recipe to new heights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also use baking spray with flour.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure there are no clumps of baking soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Ensure the brown sugar is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
- Fold in Zucchini: Gently fold in the shredded zucchini until evenly distributed. If using nuts, fold them in as well.
- Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Bread:
This Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar is a standout because of its rich, caramel flavor from the brown sugar, making it a cut above your standard zucchini bread. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but baking it at home is significantly more cost-effective than buying a loaf from a bakery. Plus, the option to add chopped walnuts or pecans offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the experience. For a similar but slightly different flavor profile, you might also enjoy pumpkin bread, but this zucchini bread offers a unique sweetness and moistness that’s hard to beat. Try baking this recipe today and experience the delightful flavors for yourself!
What to Serve Zucchini Bread With:
Zucchini bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Enjoy a slice with a smear of cream cheese for a tangy contrast, or pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a bowl of hearty soup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Zucchini Bread:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to dry bread.
- Don’t Squeeze the Zucchini: The moisture from the zucchini is what keeps the bread moist. Don’t squeeze it out before adding it to the batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking the bread at 50 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Use Ripe Zucchini: Ripe zucchini will have the best flavor and moisture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgence, add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
5 Facts about Zucchini Bread:
- Zucchini bread is a great way to use up an abundance of zucchini. In late summer, zucchini plants often produce more than can be easily consumed.
- It’s considered a quick bread. This means it’s leavened with baking soda and baking powder instead of yeast, resulting in a faster baking process.
- Zucchini adds moisture to the bread. This helps to keep it soft and tender.
- It’s a versatile recipe. You can customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices.
- Some people consider zucchini bread a breakfast food, while others see it as a dessert. It’s a sweet treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Room Temperature: Allow the bread to come to room temperature.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Microwave individual slices for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Freezing: To thaw frozen zucchini bread, let it sit at room temperature the whole day or place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Final Thoughts:
This Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar is a fantastic recipe that elevates the classic zucchini bread to a whole new level. Its rich caramel flavor with a moist and tender crumb.Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or a way to use up that bumper crop of zucchini, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a loaf of pure deliciousness! Happy baking!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Zucchini Bread FAQs:
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini? Yes, you can substitute yellow squash for zucchini in this recipe. The flavor and texture will be very similar.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar? You can try reducing the amount of brown sugar to 1 1/2 cups, but keep in mind that it will affect the flavor and moistness of the bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. You may also need to add a binder such as xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Feel free to add 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Why is my zucchini bread gummy? Gummy zucchini bread is usually caused by overmixing the batter or not baking it long enough. Be sure to mix until just combined and check for doneness with a wooden skewer.