The Best Zucchini Bread Ever
The Best Zucchini Bread Ever! is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Grandma's Cooking Cuisine on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $5.82 total, $0.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar (fine granulated)
- 1 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 cups Zucchini (shredded (about 2 medium zucchini), excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips (semi‑sweet)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the batter.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Zucchini
Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, grate it, place in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, let sit 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
Time: PT5M
Mix Wet Ingredients
In the mixing bowl, combine the 3 eggs, 2 cups sugar, and 1 cup olive oil. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth and pale.
Time: PT2M
Add Vanilla
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the wet mixture and blend for 30 seconds.
Time: PT30S
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together 2 cups sifted all‑purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Dry into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not over‑mix.
Time: PT2M
Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold the shredded zucchini and 1 cup chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Portion Batter
Fill four mini loaf pans about ¾ full and the muffin tin cups about ⅔ full with the batter.
Time: PT3M
Bake
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool
Remove the pans from the oven, let them sit 5 minutes, then transfer the loaves and muffins to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by substituting eggs and oil with plant‑based alternatives
Allergens: Eggs, Wheat, Possible nuts (if chocolate chips processed with nuts)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), commercial egg replacer
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, honey (reduce other liquids)
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, melted butter
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: whole wheat flour (may be denser)
- Instead of Zucchini: grated carrots, grated pumpkin
- Instead of Chocolate Chips: raisins, chopped nuts
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mini Loaf Pan
- Muffin Tin
- Spatula
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini
- Do not over‑mix the batter after adding flour
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using olive oil keeps the crumb moist and adds a subtle flavor
- Grating zucchini with the larger holes yields bigger shreds that give a better texture
- Room‑temperature eggs incorporate more easily, giving a smoother batter
Troubleshooting
Bread is dense or heavy
Make sure not to over‑mix after adding flour and ensure zucchini moisture is fully removed.
Muffins are undercooked in the center
Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer and bake an additional 3‑5 minutes if needed.
Bread is too dry
Add a tablespoon of milk or extra oil next time; also verify fresh baking powder if used.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 day, covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the loaves and muffins a day ahead and reheat lightly before serving
- Freeze individual portions and toast directly from the freezer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of zucchini bread in American home baking?
Zucchini bread emerged in the United States during the Great Depression and World War II as a way to use surplus garden zucchini, turning a humble vegetable into a sweet, comforting quick‑bread that became a staple of American home cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of zucchini bread in American cuisine?
While the classic version uses plain shredded zucchini, regional twists add ingredients like raisins in the Midwest, cornmeal in the South, or pumpkin spice in New England, reflecting local pantry staples and flavor preferences.
What is the authentic traditional way zucchini bread is served in American households?
Traditionally, zucchini bread is sliced and served warm or at room temperature, often with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey, and enjoyed alongside coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
What occasions or celebrations is zucchini bread traditionally associated with in American culture?
Zucchini bread is popular at family brunches, pot‑luck gatherings, and holiday breakfasts, especially during spring when fresh zucchini is abundant from home gardens.
How does zucchini bread fit into the broader American quick‑bread tradition?
It belongs to the family of quick breads that rely on chemical leaveners rather than yeast, sharing techniques with banana bread and pumpkin bread, and showcases the American tradition of turning surplus produce into sweet baked goods.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for zucchini bread versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include shredded zucchini, all‑purpose flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑wheat flour for a heartier crumb, melted butter or vegetable oil instead of olive oil, and maple syrup or honey in place of some sugar.
What other American dishes pair well with zucchini bread?
Zucchini bread pairs nicely with a simple butter spread, cream cheese frosting, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. It also complements savory dishes like a fresh garden salad or a bowl of hearty chicken soup.
What makes this zucchini bread recipe special compared to other quick‑bread recipes?
This recipe uses olive oil for a lighter mouthfeel, adds chocolate chips for a sweet surprise, and includes a step to squeeze excess zucchini moisture, resulting in a moist yet not soggy crumb.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making zucchini bread?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the batter, not removing excess zucchini water, using cold eggs, and baking at the wrong temperature, all of which can lead to a dense or gummy texture.
Why does this zucchini bread recipe use olive oil instead of melted butter?
Olive oil stays liquid at room temperature, keeping the crumb consistently moist and adding a subtle fruity note, whereas butter can solidify and create a slightly denser texture.
Can I make zucchini bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the loaves or muffins a day ahead, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Reheat gently before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the zucchini bread is done?
The tops should be golden‑brown with a slightly cracked surface, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The interior should be moist but not wet.
What does the YouTube channel Grandma's Cooking Cuisine specialize in?
The YouTube channel Grandma's Cooking Cuisine specializes in comforting, family‑friendly recipes that showcase classic home‑cooking techniques, often featuring nostalgic dishes passed down through generations.
How does the YouTube channel Grandma's Cooking Cuisine's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Grandma's Cooking Cuisine focuses on simple, ingredient‑driven recipes with a storytelling touch, emphasizing traditional methods and personal anecdotes, whereas many other channels prioritize high‑tech gadgets or trendy fusion twists.
What other American recipes is the YouTube channel Grandma's Cooking Cuisine known for?
The channel is well‑known for its classic banana bread, apple crumble, homemade biscuits, and hearty chicken pot pie, all presented with a warm, home‑cooking vibe.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
