Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread

This Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread is a wonderful blend of moist, tender bread with the fresh and vibrant flavors of lemon. The combination of lemon juice, zest, and the natural sweetness of zucchini creates a delightful twist on traditional zucchini bread. The addition of yogurt or sour cream enhances the texture, making it incredibly soft and moist. It’s a perfect snack for any time of day and is great for breakfast, tea, or even as a light dessert. Whether you’re looking to use up some extra zucchini or just craving a zesty, comforting bread, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.

The balance of flavors is spot-on, and the lemon adds a refreshing pop to the rich, slightly sweet bread. It’s simple to make, and you don’t need any special ingredients—just a few pantry staples to create this easy, flavorful treat. The zucchini keeps the bread moist without being overpowering, and the lemon flavor shines through in every bite. This recipe is sure to impress your family, friends, and anyone who loves the combination of citrus and baked goods.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a beautiful texture that’s soft and moist. The lemon flavor is vibrant but not overpowering, and the zucchini adds a subtle, fresh undertone that makes this bread extra special. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients! Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or as an afternoon snack, this zucchini bread is a treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Shredded zucchini (excess moisture removed)
• Plain yogurt or sour cream

Variations

• Add nuts: You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a bit of crunch.
• Make it dairy-free: Replace the yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
• Add extra spices: You could incorporate cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to add warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Use a different citrus: If you prefer a different citrus flavor, feel free to swap lemon juice and zest for orange or lime.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini and Yogurt

Fold in the shredded zucchini and yogurt (or sour cream) until just combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Remove excess moisture from the zucchini: After shredding the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and gently squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the eggs and yogurt to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until the ingredients are just combined to prevent a dense loaf.
• Test for doneness: Always test the bread with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

How to Serve

This Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a spread of cream cheese, or a drizzle of lemon glaze for an extra touch. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes well! To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or heat the entire loaf in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use zucchini with the skin on?

Yes, you can leave the skin on the zucchini. Just make sure to shred it finely to avoid large chunks in the bread.

2. Can I make this bread without yogurt or sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute the yogurt or sour cream with buttermilk, or even use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free as well.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the bread?

Yes! You can fold in chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries for an added burst of flavor.

5. Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

6. How can I make the bread even more lemony?

To make the bread more lemon-flavored, increase the lemon zest and juice, or add a bit of lemon extract.

7. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread can be made ahead of time. It stores well for a few days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.

8. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some added crunch.

9. How do I know when the bread is done?

Test the bread with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

10. Can I make mini loaves?

Yes, you can make mini loaves by dividing the batter into smaller pans and adjusting the baking time, typically around 30-40 minutes.

Conclusion

This Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The fresh lemon adds a delightful brightness to the moist, soft bread, and the zucchini keeps it tender and slightly sweet. It’s easy to make and perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking collection. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, or pack it up as a thoughtful homemade gift!

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