The only zucchini bread recipe you’ll need
The only zucchini bread recipe you’ll need! is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Entertaining With Beth on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 19 min
Cost: $8.79 total, $1.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated White Sugar (fine granules)
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (canned, unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (neutral flavor)
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1/2 cup Raisins (golden and dark) (mixed types for texture)
- 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped (toasted for extra flavor)
- 2 cups Zucchini, grated (grated, excess moisture squeezed out)
Instructions
Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and pumpkin puree until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Time: PT5M
Add Oil, Water, and Vanilla
Stir in the vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Time: PT2M
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift the all‑purpose flour, then add kosher salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Whisk to distribute evenly.
Time: PT3M
Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
Time: PT2M
Fold in Add‑Ins
Fold in the mixed raisins and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Zucchini
Grate the zucchini, then place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess water. Fold the drained zucchini into the batter.
Time: PT2M
Line Pan and Transfer Batter
Line the loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy lift‑out. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with the spatula.
Time: PT2M
Bake the Bread
Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Time: PT55M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cooling rack. Slice once fully cooled.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Wheat (gluten), Tree nuts (walnuts)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Eggs: flax egg (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water)
- Instead of Granulated White Sugar: coconut sugar, honey (reduce other liquid)
- Instead of Pumpkin Puree: butternut squash puree, applesauce (reduce oil)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, melted coconut oil
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract (half amount)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: whole wheat flour (use 1 3/4 cups)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: table salt (reduce to 1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Baking Soda: baking powder (3 tsp)
- Instead of Raisins (golden and dark): dried cranberries, chopped dates
- Instead of Walnuts, chopped: pecans, almonds
- Instead of Zucchini, grated: yellow squash
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Loaf Pan (9x5 inch)
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Squeezing excess moisture from the grated zucchini
- Do not over‑mix the batter after adding dry ingredients
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, not over‑baking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the walnuts before adding for extra crunch
- Use a mix of golden and dark raisins for visual contrast
- Line the pan with parchment paper for a clean release and easier slicing
Troubleshooting
Bread is dense and heavy
Make sure to squeeze out excess zucchini moisture and do not over‑mix the batter; also verify the baking soda is fresh.
Top is too dry or cracked
Cover the loaf loosely with foil halfway through baking to retain moisture.
Bread is undercooked in the center
Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer and bake an additional 5‑10 minutes, covering the top with foil if it browns too quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 1 day, covered
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the loaf a day ahead and store in the fridge; reheat slices in a toaster oven
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and thaw at room temperature before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of zucchini bread in American cuisine?
Zucchini bread emerged in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to use surplus garden produce and stretch pantry staples, turning a humble vegetable into a sweet, comforting quick‑bread that remains a beloved home‑baking staple today.
What are the traditional regional variations of zucchini bread in the United States?
In the Midwest, bakers often add sour cream for extra tenderness, while in the South, cornmeal is sometimes incorporated for a slightly gritty texture. Some coastal versions include citrus zest or pineapple for a bright twist.
How is zucchini bread traditionally served in American households?
It is typically sliced and served warm or at room temperature, often with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea as a breakfast or snack treat.
What occasions or celebrations is zucchini bread commonly associated with in American culture?
Zucchini bread is a popular bake for potlucks, brunches, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers or spring garden parties, where it showcases fresh produce in a sweet form.
What makes this zucchini bread recipe special compared to other American quick‑bread recipes?
Beth’s recipe uses pumpkin puree as a secret moisture‑enhancer, reducing the need for extra oil while adding subtle autumn flavor, and combines two types of raisins and toasted walnuts for texture contrast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Moist Zucchini Bread with Pumpkin Puree from Entertaining With Beth?
Common errors include not squeezing the grated zucchini, over‑mixing the batter, using expired baking soda, and baking at too high a temperature, all of which can lead to a gummy or dense loaf.
Why does this zucchini bread recipe use pumpkin puree instead of additional oil or butter?
Pumpkin puree contributes moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the fat content low, resulting in a tender crumb without the heaviness that extra oil or butter would add.
Can I make Moist Zucchini Bread with Pumpkin Puree ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the loaf can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or sliced and frozen for up to two months; reheat slices in a toaster oven for best texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Moist Zucchini Bread is done?
The top should be golden‑brown with a slight crack, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs; the loaf should spring back lightly when pressed.
What does the YouTube channel Entertaining With Beth specialize in?
Entertaining With Beth focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with clever twists, emphasizing practical tips for home cooks and entertaining ideas.
How does the YouTube channel Entertaining With Beth's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?
Beth emphasizes ingredient efficiency—like using pumpkin puree for moisture—and provides step‑by‑step visual cues, making her baking tutorials especially accessible for beginners compared to more technique‑heavy channels.
What other American comfort‑food recipes is the YouTube channel Entertaining With Beth known for?
Beth is also known for her fluffy buttermilk pancakes, classic chicken pot pie, and her signature cranberry orange loaf, all presented with clear instructions and entertaining presentation style.
Last updated: September 2, 2026






