Zucchini Bread

Zucchini Bread is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 35 min

Cost: $8.63 total, $0.72 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup Walnuts (toasted and roughly chopped)
  • 2 cup Zucchini (grated, about two medium zucchinis)
  • 2 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (coarse kosher preferred; avoid super‑fine salt)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Allspice (optional, adds warm flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 0.5 cup Granulated White Sugar
  • 0.5 cup Applesauce (unsweetened)
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Toast Walnuts

    Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts, and stir constantly until they turn golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Roughly Chop Walnuts

    Transfer toasted walnuts to a cutting board and give them a rough chop; they should be in bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Grate Zucchini

    Wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and grate them using the large holes of a box grater. Measure out 2 cups of grated zucchini.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, allspice, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk to combine.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Whisk Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and the sugars begin to dissolve.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Combine Wet and Dry

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the flour is mostly incorporated; a few streaks are okay.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Fold in Zucchini and Walnuts

    Add the grated zucchini and chopped walnuts to the batter and fold with a spatula until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT4M

  8. Prepare Loaf Pan

    Line a 9x5‑inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper if desired.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Transfer Batter to Pan

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Bake

    Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back lightly when pressed.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Test for Doneness

    Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Cool and Serve

    Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: vegetarian, contains nuts, contains gluten

Allergens: walnuts, eggs, wheat

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Zucchini Bread

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

A moist, sweet, and flavorful zucchini bread packed with toasted walnuts and warm spices. This quick, one‑bowl recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy treat any time of day.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
47m
Prep
1h
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.63
Total cost
$0.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Toasting the walnuts for flavor
  • Avoid over‑mixing after adding wet ingredients
  • Folding in zucchini and walnuts gently
  • Baking at the correct temperature and time
  • Testing for doneness with a skewer

Safety Warnings

  • Hot skillet when toasting nuts – use oven mitts and keep a close eye.
  • Handle the hot oven and pan with care to avoid burns.
  • Do not over‑mix batter; over‑development of gluten can cause a tough crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of zucchini bread in American cuisine?

A

Zucchini bread emerged in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to use surplus summer zucchini, turning a vegetable into a sweet, quick‑bread treat. It became especially popular in the 1970s health‑food movement, celebrated for its moist texture and hidden vegetable nutrition.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of zucchini bread in American cooking?

A

In the Northeast, bakers often add raisins or walnuts, while in the Southwest you’ll find cornmeal or a hint of chili. Some Southern versions incorporate buttermilk for extra tenderness, and West Coast recipes may swap oil for coconut oil or add lemon zest for a bright note.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way zucchini bread served in the United States?

A

Traditionally, zucchini bread is sliced and served at room temperature, sometimes toasted lightly and spread with butter or cream cheese. It’s a popular breakfast or snack item, often paired with coffee or tea.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is zucchini bread traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Zucchini bread is a staple at brunches, potlucks, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving leftovers or Easter brunches. Its easy make‑ahead nature makes it a favorite for family picnics and bake‑sale events.

cultural
Q

What makes this Best Zucchini Bread special or unique in American quick‑bread cuisine?

A

John Kanell’s version emphasizes toasted walnuts for crunch, a blend of warm spices, and the use of applesauce to add moisture without excess oil, resulting in a loaf that’s both light and richly flavored—standing out from simpler recipes that rely solely on sugar and oil.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Best Zucchini Bread from Preppy Kitchen?

A

Common pitfalls include over‑mixing the batter, which develops gluten and makes the loaf dense, and under‑toasting the walnuts, which reduces the nutty flavor. Also, be sure to measure the flour correctly; too much flour leads to a dry crumb.

technical
Q

Why does this zucchini bread recipe use both baking soda and baking powder instead of just one leavening agent?

A

Baking soda reacts with the acidity from the applesauce and brown sugar, giving lift early in the bake, while baking powder provides additional rise throughout the baking process. The combination ensures a light, airy crumb without a metallic aftertaste.

technical
Q

Can I make Best Zucchini Bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the loaf can be baked a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the pieces; they reheat well in a toaster or microwave.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Best Zucchini Bread is done?

A

The top should be golden‑brown with a slightly crisp crust, and the loaf should spring back lightly when pressed. A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, indicating the interior is fully baked and moist.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists. The channel focuses on clear step‑by‑step tutorials, practical kitchen tips, and variations for dietary preferences.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes simplicity and ingredient flexibility, often suggesting easy substitutions like chocolate chips for walnuts. John Kanell also stresses technique details—like toasting nuts and avoiding over‑mixing—to help home cooks achieve bakery‑level results without specialized equipment.

channel

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