Easy & Delightful Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread Recipe

Zucchini bread transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary experience that surprises and delights unexpected palates.

Dense, moist, and wonderfully aromatic, this quick bread captures summer’s garden essence with remarkable simplicity.

Subtle sweetness mingles with warm spices, creating a harmonious treat that transcends typical baked goods.

Sophisticated yet approachable, zucchini bread represents comfort baking at its finest.

Wholesome ingredients combine to produce a tender crumb that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Every slice promises a delightful balance between nutrition and indulgence, making it impossible to resist.

Home bakers adore this recipe for its forgiving nature and crowd-pleasing results: gather your ingredients and let the magic begin!

Why Contessa’s Zucchini Bread Is a Standout

• Bursting with Garden-Fresh Flavor: This zucchini bread captures the vibrant essence of summer produce, transforming humble garden zucchini into a moist, delectable treat that brings farm-to-table goodness right to your kitchen.
• Incredibly Simple Baking Adventure: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise while delivering maximum deliciousness, making it perfect for novice and experienced home cooks alike.
• Versatile Comfort Companion: Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or sweet dessert, this zucchini bread offers incredible versatility that fits seamlessly into any part of your day, pleasing crowds with its warm, comforting appeal.

Required Ingredients for Contessa Zucchini Bread

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the bread, all-purpose works best.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the bread.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice and depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides moisture.
• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and subtle green color.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps bread moist and tender, neutral flavor preferred.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and aromatic sweetness.

• Walnuts: Provides crunch, nutty flavor, and added texture to the bread.

Making Contessa’s Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line 2 loaf pans (8×4 inches) with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Grated zucchini
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Blend ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients. Add chopped walnuts. Gently fold everything together until just combined – avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Bake Zucchini Bread

Divide batter evenly between prepared loaf pans. Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove bread from oven. Let loaves rest in pans for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for an Amazing Contessa Zucchini Bread

• Preserve Flavor Perfectly: Wrap cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to lock in freshness for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
• Elevate Taste Instantly: Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon to create a more sophisticated and intriguing flavor profile.
• Transform Texture Effortlessly: Mix chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes into the batter for a delightful personal touch that surprises taste buds.
• Maximize Moisture Strategically: Let oil and zucchini work their magic, creating an incredibly tender bread that stays fresh for days when stored properly.
• Master Zucchini Preparation: Use large box grater holes and gently squeeze excess water with a clean kitchen towel to achieve the perfect bread consistency.

Preserving Contessa Zucchini Bread

• Freezer Fortress: Protect your zucchini bread like a treasure by double-wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Seal it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag, pushing out excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve its just-baked taste for up to 3 months.
• Counter Charm: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature, which maintains its soft crumb and prevents it from drying out. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any excess moisture and help preserve the bread's perfect texture for 2-3 days.
• Slice and Save: Cut the bread into individual portions before storing, making it easier to thaw and enjoy smaller servings. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag, allowing you to pull out just what you need without defrosting the entire loaf.

Flavorful Variations on Contessa Zucchini Bread

• Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, indulgent version that kids and adults will love. The melted chocolate creates pockets of rich flavor throughout the bread.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds and zest of one lemon into the dry ingredients. This bright, citrusy variation adds a refreshing tang to the classic recipe.
• Coconut Almond Zucchini Bread: Replace walnuts with sliced almonds and mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Sprinkle extra coconut on top before baking for a tropical-inspired quick bread with extra crunch.
• Spiced Carrot Zucchini Bread: Add 1/2 cup of grated carrots to the zucchini and include 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg with the cinnamon. This hearty variation brings additional moisture and warm spice notes to the bread.

Summation of Contessa Zucchini Bread Recipe

Zucchini bread whispers sweet memories of summer gardens and family kitchens.

Warm spices dance through each tender slice, creating comfort beyond simple sustenance.

Classic recipes like Barefoot Contessa’s zucchini bread connect generations through shared culinary traditions.

Nutty walnuts provide delightful crunch against moist, tender crumb.

Kitchen adventures start with simple ingredients and passionate preparation.

Share this delectable recipe with friends who crave homemade magic – snap a photo, spread recipe love, and spark conversation about your baking triumph.

Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa zucchini bread brings Southern comfort with rich, moist texture and warm spices. Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, inviting friends and family to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (300 g) grated zucchini
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil

Dry Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons (10 g) baking soda
• 1 tablespoon (7 g) cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt

Nuts and Flavoring:

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly grease two 8×4 inch (20×10 centimeters) loaf pans and prepare parchment paper linings to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until evenly distributed.
3. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until slightly frothy. Incorporate freshly grated zucchini, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract, stirring until ingredients are well blended.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Carefully fold in chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Divide the zucchini batter equally between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to create an even surface.
6. Place pans in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure uniform browning.
7. Test for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center of each loaf; it should emerge without raw batter clinging to it.
8. Remove loaves from the oven and allow them to rest in the pans for 10 minutes, which helps them set and prevents breaking.
9. Carefully transfer the zucchini bread to a wire cooling rack, letting them cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

• Grated zucchini transforms ordinary quick bread into a moisture-packed garden delight.
• Toasting walnuts beforehand intensifies their deep, rich nutty essence.
• Patting zucchini dry prevents excess water from compromising bread’s perfect texture.
• Storing slices in an airtight container maintains freshness for up to 4 days.
• Freezing individual portions ensures a quick, delicious treat is always within reach.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg