The Worlds Best Zucchini Bread
The Worlds BEST Zucchini Bread is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Stivers Homestead on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $2.75 total, $0.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.25 cup Zucchini (shredded, skins removed for hidden veggie effect)
- 1 cup White Sugar (granulated)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil (neutral oil such as canola or soybean)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure or imitation)
- 1.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (can use self‑rising flour, omit baking powder if using self‑rising)
- 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (regular household cinnamon)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (table salt)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the loaf pan. Lightly spray the loaf pan with cooking spray or grease with butter.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Shred Zucchini
Peel the zucchini (optional) and shred it using a hand‑crank chopper, box grater, or food processor. Measure out 1 ¼ cups of shredded zucchini.
Time: PT10M
Measure Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda. Stir to distribute evenly.
Time: PT3M
Measure Wet Ingredients
Gather 1 cup white sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs.
Time: PT2M
Cream Sugar and Eggs
In the mixing bowl, add the sugar and eggs. Using the hand mixer on medium speed, beat until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks slightly frothy.
Time: PT2M
Add Oil and Vanilla
Pour in the ½ cup vegetable oil and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix on low until just combined.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add the dry‑ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir on low speed just until no flour pockets remain.
Time: PT2M
Fold in Zucchini
Gently fold the shredded zucchini into the batter until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool & Test Doneness
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Insert a toothpick; it should emerge clean.
Time: PT5M
Slice, Serve or Freeze
Slice the loaf. Serve fresh, store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or proceed to the freezing step.
Time: PT10M
Freeze for Long‑Term Storage
Wrap the whole loaf tightly in two layers of aluminum foil, then place it in a gallon‑size freezer zip‑lock bag. Press out excess air with a straw or by hand, seal, label with date, and store in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Zucchini: Grated carrots, Grated apple
- Instead of White Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (reduce other liquids)
- Instead of Eggs: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), Applesauce (1/4 cup per egg)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Melted butter, Coconut oil (liquid)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract, Almond extract (use half amount)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour (reduce liquid slightly), Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Ground nutmeg (1 tsp), Pumpkin pie spice (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt (use 3/4 tsp)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of tartar + baking soda (1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Baking Soda: Potassium bicarbonate
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Hand‑Crank Chopper / Grater
- Loaf Pan (9×5 inch)
- Cooking Spray (Pam) or Butter
- Oven
- Aluminum Foil
- Freezer‑Safe Zip‑Lock Bag (gallon size)
- Permanent Marker
- Straw (for air removal) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix sugar and eggs until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Do not over‑mix after adding flour; gentle folding preserves tenderness.
- Bake until a clean toothpick emerges to avoid under‑cooking.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and remove air before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- A pinch of nutmeg pairs nicely with the cinnamon.
- If you prefer a sweeter loaf, increase sugar to 1 ¼ cup.
Troubleshooting
Bread is dense and heavy.
Make sure the baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and avoid over‑mixing the batter after adding flour.
Top cracks or dries out.
Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking or lower the oven temperature by 10°F.
Bread sticks to the pan.
Generously spray or grease the pan and line with parchment if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 12 months when wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a zip‑lock bag.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 1 day; otherwise refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the loaf a day ahead and freeze slices individually for quick toast‑ups.
- If you plan to freeze, wrap the loaf while still slightly warm to create a seal, then chill before final foil wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of zucchini bread in American home cooking?
Zucchini bread became popular in the United States during the Great Depression and World War II as a way to use excess garden zucchini and stretch pantry staples. It remains a beloved quick‑bread comfort food, often served at breakfast or as a snack.
What are the traditional regional variations of zucchini bread in American cuisine?
Some regions add nuts like walnuts or pecans, while others incorporate spices such as nutmeg or ginger. In the South, a sweet glaze or a drizzle of honey is common, whereas the Midwest often includes sour cream for extra tenderness.
How is zucchini bread traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically sliced and served plain, toasted with butter, or topped with cream cheese frosting. It also appears on brunch tables alongside coffee, tea, or fresh fruit.
What occasions or celebrations is zucchini bread traditionally associated with in American culture?
Zucchini bread is a popular bake for garden harvest celebrations, pot‑lucks, and holiday brunches. Many families make it after a summer zucchini harvest to preserve the produce.
What makes zucchini bread special or unique in American quick‑bread cuisine?
The shredded zucchini adds moisture without making the loaf soggy, allowing the bread to stay soft for months when frozen. Its simple ingredient list and quick‑mix method make it a go‑to recipe for home bakers.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making zucchini bread from Stivers Homestead?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using too much flour, and not removing excess water from the shredded zucchini. Also, be sure the baking powder and soda are fresh for proper rise.
Why does this zucchini bread recipe use both baking powder and baking soda instead of just one leavening agent?
Baking powder provides a steady rise, while baking soda reacts with the acidity of the zucchini and vanilla to give extra lift and a tender crumb. Together they create a light texture without a metallic taste.
Can I make zucchini bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cool the loaf completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer‑safe zip‑lock bag. It will keep for up to one year in the freezer or 5 days in the refrigerator.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making zucchini bread?
The top should be golden‑brown with a slightly cracked surface. Inside, the crumb should be moist, tender, and slightly dense, with visible ribbons of shredded zucchini.
How do I know when the zucchini bread is done cooking?
Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The loaf should also spring back lightly when pressed on the top.
What does the YouTube channel Stivers Homestead specialize in?
The YouTube channel Stivers Homestead focuses on homestead‑style cooking, garden harvest recipes, and practical food preservation techniques, sharing family‑friendly meals made from ingredients grown on their farm.
How does the YouTube channel Stivers Homestead's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Stivers Homestead emphasizes using fresh, home‑grown produce, batch‑making for preservation, and straightforward, no‑fuss techniques. Their videos often show large‑scale production (like making dozens of loaves) and detailed storage methods, unlike many channels that focus on single‑serve portions.
Last updated: September 2, 2026






