Got zucchini? These moist zucchini bread recipes give you plenty of delicious reasons to start shredding! I’ve got over 10 variations, including a classic zucchini bread, for you to choose from this season.
A Zucchini Bread for Every Craving
Aimee’s Zucchini Bread Notes
Every summer, zucchini seems to multiply in my garden when I’m not looking. One minute there are a couple on the counter, and the next I’m wondering if it’s socially acceptable to leave bags of zucchini on neighbors’ porches.
Thankfully, after years of baking with zucchini, I’ve learned there’s almost ALWAYS reoom in the freezer for another loaf of bread.
And that’s exactly why I’ve created so many zucchini bread recipes over the years. I’ve gathered up my favorite variations here so you can choose just what you want to bake.
xo,
How to Make the Best Zucchini Bread
After making more loaves of zucchini bread than I could possibly count, I’ve learned that zucchini itself is usually the biggest variable. These tips will help you get a moist, tender loaf every time.
Don’t automatically squeeze the zucchini dry. Some zucchini bread recipes need that natural moisture from freshly shredded zucchini, so squeezing it dry could leave your bread droo too. Frozen and thawed zucchini, however, often needs excess liquid removed. Use my guide on how to shred zucchini.
You don’t need to peel zucchini. Unless you’re trying to hide the veggies from kids, leave the skin on and save yourself the extra step of peeling.
Choose smaller zucchini when possible. These smaller zucchini have smaller seeds and the entire zucchini can be shredded. But yes, I know, large zucchini only have one purpose. Scoop out the seeds and shred the rest of that enormous garden zucchini.
Don’t panic over thick batter. Some recipes have very thick batter, and they can be quite surprising. Give the batter 10-15 minutes to rest on the counter. The shredded zucchini will release moisture and you can give it a quick stir before adding to your pans.
Freezer friendly. Most of my zucchini bread recipes make two loaves for a reason. Cool the bread completely, wrap it well, and freeze at least one loaf for later. Future you will be very happy about this decision.
Zucchini Bread FAQs
Zucchini has a high water content. As the bread bakes, that moisture helps create a soft, tender crumb without giving the finished loaf a vegetable flavor.
Yes absolutely, but you should thaw the zucchini first and press out the extra liquid.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter. Because loaf-pan sizes and ovens vary, use the baking time as a guide and check the center before removing the bread.
More Ways to Bake with Zucchini
Once you have filled your freezer with zucchini bread, don’t stop there. Shredded zucchini is one of my favorite baking ingredients because it adds moisture without overpowering the other flavors. Try it in zucchini muffins, zucchini brownies, chocolate zucchini cake, and even zucchini bundt cake.
However you use that garden zucchini, I hope you find a new favorite here. And if you happen to end the summer with six loaves of zucchini bread in your freezer, I’d consider that a season well spent.
Zucchini Bread Recipes
Not sure where to begin? Start with the classic, then choose a loaf based on what you're craving. Some or simple enough for breakfast, while others definitely wander into dessert territory.
The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe
Start here if you want an old-fashioned zucchini bread that's moist, lightly spiced, and easy to make. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice give this simple loaf plenty of cozy flavor.
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
For the person who looks at zucchini and thinks, "This needs chocolate." Semi-sweet chocolate chips turn a classic moist zucchini loaf into something the whole family will happily eat for breakfast or dessert.
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Chocolate chips weren't enough, so naturally I added cocoa too. This rich, fudgy zucchini bread lands somewhere between quick bread and brownies, in the best possible way.
Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Part zucchini bread, part coffee cake, this version has a cinnamon ribbon, crumbly topping, and sweet glaze. It's especially good for brunch with a big cup of coffee.
Zucchini Banana Bread
Two quick-bread favorites become one incredibly moist loaf. This is a great choice when you've got both spotty bananas AND zucchini sitting on the counter begging to be used.
Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Juicy blueberries add a fresh burst of flavor to moist zucchini bread. This is one of my favorite variations for summer, when both zucchini and berries are plentiful.
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
When the garden hasn't gotten the memo that you're ready for fall, make this. Pumpkin and zucchini create an extra-moist bread filled with warm spices and finished with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Pineapple Carrot Zucchini Bread
Zucchini, carrots, and pineapple make this loaf wonderfully moist with a slightly tropical twist. It's a fun change when you've already made the classic loaf a few times this summer.
Praline Topped Zucchini Bread
This one's for dessert lovers. Moist zucchini bread gets topped with a buttery brown sugar praline and crunchy pecans for a sweet-and-salty finish.
Instant Pot Zucchini Bread
Yes, you can make zucchini bread in the Instant Pot! It's a fun alternative when you don't want to turn on the oven, or just want to try something different.
