Craving a slice of homemade goodness that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? Look no further! This Zucchini Bread with Walnuts recipe delivers a moist, delicious loaf with a delightful crunch from the walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. We’ll guide you through each step so you can bake a perfect loaf every time.
What is Zucchini Bread with Walnuts?
Zucchini Bread with Walnuts is a quick bread, meaning it doesn’t rely on yeast to rise. Instead, baking soda and baking powder provide the lift, resulting in a tender and flavorful crumb. The zucchini adds moisture and subtle sweetness, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
This recipe isn’t just about using up that surplus of zucchini from your garden; it’s about creating a taste of homemade comfort that fills your kitchen with warmth. It’s a relatively simple recipe that even novice bakers can master, yielding a delicious and satisfying treat for any occasion. From breakfast to dessert, this bread is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why wait any longer? Grab your ingredients and let’s bake some delicious Zucchini Bread with Walnuts!
Key Ingredients for Zucchini Bread with Walnuts
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious bread:
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups – Provides the structure for the bread.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Helps the bread rise.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – Adds extra lift and lightness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon – Complements the cinnamon and adds depth of flavor.
- Eggs: 3 large – Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 cup – Adds moisture and tenderness.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ¾ cups – Provides sweetness and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Shredded Zucchini: 2 cups, lightly packed (about 2 medium zucchini) – The star ingredient, adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. Do not squeeze out any liquid.
- Chopped Walnuts: 1 cup – Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them beforehand is optional but recommended for a deeper flavour.
How to Make Zucchini Bread with Walnuts
This Zucchini Bread with Walnuts is surprisingly easy to make! The recipe comes together in about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish including about an hour in the oven. It’s delightfully moist, full of warm spices, and has a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. The simple instructions will guide you through each step, and the results are well worth the effort. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful and comforting bread that everyone will love.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 55-65 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients for a consistent texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly pale.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Add Zucchini and Walnuts: Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure not to squeeze the zucchini beforehand.
- Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the loaves with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Cool: Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pans.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Bread with Walnuts
This Zucchini Bread with Walnuts is more than just a bread; it’s an experience! The real highlight is the amazing texture – moist and tender with a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. Plus, making it at home is incredibly cost-effective. Buying pre-made zucchini bread can be expensive, but with this recipe, you can bake two delicious loaves for a fraction of the price.
The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the flavor, making it a perfect treat for any time of day. It’s delicious served warm with a smear of butter, turning your breakfast or snack into a gourmet experience.
If you love this Zucchini Bread, why not try our Banana Nut Bread recipe next? It offers a similar comforting experience with a different flavor profile. Discover another family favorite!
Go ahead, try this Zucchini Bread with Walnuts recipe and bring some homemade love into your kitchen! You won’t regret it.
What to Serve Zucchini Bread with Walnuts With
Zucchini Bread with Walnuts is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of complementary dishes and drinks.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm slice of Zucchini Bread with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a slice of bread for added richness and tang.
- Yogurt: Pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light and healthy option.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries will complement the warm spices and nutty flavor of the bread.
- Soup: A hearty soup, such as tomato or butternut squash, pairs well with the sweetness of the bread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Zucchini Bread with Walnuts
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Don’t Squeeze the Zucchini: Resist the urge to squeeze the moisture out of the zucchini. The moisture is essential for a tender bread.
- Toast the Walnuts: For a deeper, richer flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet or in the oven before adding them to the batter.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder and baking soda are crucial for a good rise.
- Let it Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra touch of decadence, add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Substitute Ingredients: You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds. Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar for a richer flavour.
5 Facts about Zucchini Bread with Walnuts
- Hidden Vegetable: Zucchini bread is a great way to sneak in a serving of vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Recipe: This recipe can be adapted with different nuts, spices, and even chocolate chips.
- Freezer-Friendly: Zucchini bread freezes well, making it perfect for baking ahead.
- Quick Bread: Unlike yeasted breads, zucchini bread doesn’t require rising time, making it a quick and easy treat.
- Garden Staple: When zucchini is in season, this bread is a delicious way to use up the abundant harvest.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: To store Zucchini Bread with Walnuts, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerating: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it’s properly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the cooled loaf and wrap each slice individually or freeze the entire loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or toast individual slices for a quick and easy treat.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini Bread with Walnuts is a perfect baking project that offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Whether you have an abundance of zucchini from your garden or simply want to bake something comforting and delicious, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful bread and sharing it with friends and family. Happy Baking!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Zucchini Bread Faqs
- Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 1 ½ cups, but the bread might be slightly less moist.
- Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices such as ground cloves or allspice.
- Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This could be due to overmixing the batter, using too much baking soda or baking powder, or not baking it long enough. Ensure you follow the recipe carefully and check for doneness with a wooden skewer.