Description
Classic zucchini bread from Ina Garten combines garden-fresh ingredients with warm spices. Moist, tender slices offer comforting sweetness perfect for afternoon tea or breakfast companions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (470 ml / 16 fl oz) shredded zucchini
- 1 ½ cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups (170 g / 6 oz) chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) salt
- 2 tsps (10 ml / 0.33 fl oz) bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F, ensuring an even temperature distribution for consistent baking.
- Pan Setup: Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, creating a complete coverage and lightly greasing to prevent sticking.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl, creating a homogeneous dry mixture that ensures balanced flavor throughout the bread.
- Wet Ingredient Blend: In a large bowl, beat eggs until frothy, then fold in zucchini, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, creating a moist and cohesive base for the bread.
- Batter Integration: Gently combine dry and wet ingredients, folding in walnuts with minimal stirring to maintain a light, tender texture and prevent dense bread.
- Baking Process: Transfer batter to prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center reveals just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Technique: Allow bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, letting it cool completely for optimal slicing and structural integrity.
- Serving Suggestion: Slice with a serrated knife and serve at room temperature, optionally accompanying with butter or cream cheese for enhanced enjoyment.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Grate zucchini and gently squeeze out excess liquid to prevent soggy bread and ensure perfect texture.
- Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients delicately to maintain a tender crumb and avoid tough, dense bread.
- Nut Optimization: Toast walnuts briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the bread.
- Storage Strategy: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for extended freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 322
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg