When the colder temps arrive, I feel like a whole new person. This weather has me out walking more, making any excuse to get outside, opening up the windows, lighting candles, and baking some of my favorites!
This recipe has been a long time coming. I get excited about traditions and routine. In the fall, I love walking to Central Coffee Co and grabbing a slice of my favorite vegan zucchini bread. It’s so moist and filled with all the spices you could ever dream of. It’s just perfection. Since the weather has been requiring a sweater in the early hours of the morning, I’ve been dreaming of the days when I’d bundle up and head out for my favorite dessert. Every time I take a bite, I fall in love with it all over again. Zucchini bread is literally the best thing on the planet. I especially love it in the Fall, but I won’t turn it down any time of the year.
So on Saturday, I decided to attempt my own zucchini bread recipe. The coffee shop’s recipe is vegan, but I wanted to make mine so healthy that pretty much anyone could eat it. And for a recipe being gluten free, dairy free, nut free, no added sugars, oil-free, and soy free…it tasted like it had ALL of those ingredients in it. I was blown away with how it turned out. Kyle loved it, and so did my family. I promise this recipe will blow you away! I want to make a pumpkin version and add cranberry sauce to the top.
Nutrition Per Slice: 115 Calories, 20g Carbs, 2g Fat, 1g Protein, 2g Fiber, 3g Sugar (makes ten slices)
I used my mom’s zucchini bread recipe and made a ton of swaps. I will probably say this over and over, but I cannot believe how tasty this turned out. The awesome thing? It also makes delicious muffins, too. I’ll be doing another post on those.
This is the perfect dessert or breakfast to have with a cup of coffee. It just melts in your mouth. It’s filled with Fall spices and unbeleivable flavors.
I made a lot of swaps to make this recipe fit different lifestyles. You can make swaps to my recipe as well! If you don’t have applesuace, use coconut oil. If you don’t have Swerve, use Stevia. If you don’t have zucchini, use carrots. If you don’t have gluten free flour, use regular flour. If you are vegan, use egg substitutes!
Healthy Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- 1 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
- 1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/2 Cup Swerve
- 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 2 Tsps Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Grated Zucchini
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees
- Grease your pan with cooking spray. It doesn't matter what size you use, though it will change the baking time. I used a 6 X 9 pan.
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Grate one cup. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs on medium-high (about two minutes.) Once they are fluffy and whipped, pour in the Swerve, and beat on medium for an additional minute.
- Slowly stir in the applesauce, zucchini, and vanilla. Stir on LOW speed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the mixer, and combine.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake loaf 30-43 minutes. It could take longer depending on the size of your pan, or your oven. Keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to determine if it is done. It should come out clean! The edges will cook slightly faster.
- Let the bread cool for about thirty minutes before slicing into it.
- The best way to store this bread is in the fridge. It stays extremely moist and dense when cooled. I put the bread in a large ziplock baggy.
Notes
Never be greedy on your spices. I always go crazy on the spice! Taste the batter once it’s done to make sure it has enough. I ended up adding a couple of extra sprinkles of pumpkin spice.
I used my gingerbread chocolate shaver to grate my zucchini. This worked so well. I don’t know where my grater went! I’m adding it to my shopping list.
Applesauce worked great as an oil replacement. It kept the bread dense! It helps cut back on fat and extra calories.
You can still make this recipe without an electric mixer. Just use a metal whisk!
Mmmmmm that batter bowl!
You can make muffins or use any size pan. Just pay attention to it’s cooking time! You don’t want to overcook this recipe. Baking time! The hardest part about baking these is waiting while the aroma spreads throughout the house.
When you nail a recipe…that feeling…ahhh!
I know life isn’t always about calories and health, but it’s nice knowing that this is bread that won’t make you feel sluggish or overhauled on sugar. The average zucchini bread has over 300 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of carbs and 20g of sugar a slice! That is a lot. This is a great healthier alternative to the zucchini bread you’ll find at the bakeries. So I don’t feel bad that I ate almost six slices in the past three days…No shame at all. It just goes to show that you can make incredible dishes without all the sugar and butter added.
I started thinking about how crazy of an idea it was to put zucchini in your bread. So, I Googled it. “The zucchini bread was first made in America in the 19th century when housewives used pearlash as a chemical leavening agent.” –source
I remember the first time I was offered zucchini bread. I was so hesitant. I thought it was going to taste like a savory slice of bread, but NO! It’s like spiced cake. I was instantly hooked.
I’m so sad that there is zero trace of this bread left in the house. I know what I’ll be doing later…
Questions for you!
- Will YOU be making this zucchini bread?
- Do you have a favorite dessert you like to get locally during the Fall?
- Have you ever had zucchini bread?
Katie says
I have never had this before but it looks so good and with you raving about it as much as you are, I almost HAVE to try making it 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
YOU HAVE TO!!:D
Leah says
I’ve never made or even had zucchini bread! That’s crazy seeing how in recent years it’s become one of my favorite veggies. I’m definitely making your recipe. Thanks for making it healthy!
Taralynn McNitt says
OMG! It’s so good!! But I tried it for the first time last year, so I feel ya! 😀
CAE says
Love all your recipes!! Keep them coming! Thanks Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, CAE!!!
Dana says
I LOVE zucchini bread! One of my absolute favorites. I will definitely be making yours, the nutritional stats are impressive.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Dana! & not that much goes into it which is great!!
Jordan says
I certainly will be making this bread! Zucchini bead is my favorite but chocolate chips always seem to fall into mine…
We have an ice cream shop where I am from that have the best caramel apples! Definitely a fall tradition for my husband and I.
I recently tried a recipe for muffins that included zucchini AND carrots (extra, extra veggies) but it tasted great and you could feel good eating them! Probably just like your recipe. Can’t wait to give it a try!
Taralynn McNitt says
Chocolate chips would be a wonderful addition!
I bought stuff to make a “healthier” caramel apple dessert this weekend! 😀
Carrots & zucchini are so good with Fall spices! Perfect for baking!
Anonymous says
You could also use avocado instead of applesauce! That’ll reduce the sugar!
Taralynn McNitt says
great idea!!!
Kyla Woelfle says
Yay this looks so good, I cannot wait to make the zucchini bread! I try to stay away from bread, so this will be an awesome substitute for the days I’m really craving carbs!
Knoxville has a few awesome restaurants with delectable desserts, but I thankfully I resist the majority of the time!
I have never had zucchini bread, but it sounds & looks amazing!!
Taralynn McNitt says
This recipe is so good too!!:) And it’s not totally horrible in carbs! Maybe you could figure out how to make it with almond flour/coconut flour to make it low carb!
Natalie says
Yum! Thank you for the recipe!
Taralynn McNitt says
😀 No problem!
Teresa Eskew says
I will try this recipe, I have lots of zucchini.
I love fresh Apple cobbler and homemade applesauce this time of year.
I grew up on zucchin bread, zucchini cookies, zucchini appetizers, pretty much zucchini everything.
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s a great way to get rid of all the zucchini!
Zucchini cookies sound fantastic!
Hannah says
I am adding this to my recipe list for the weekend 🙂 Do you think I could use whole wheat flour?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Been hearing so much about zucchini bread lately, and while I’ve seen many recipes around the internet, I’m glad you came out with one too. I’ll definitely be able it sometime this fall!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
You MUST try it!!:D
Myriam says
Hi Tara!
1) I would love to veganize your recipe and make the bread, but maybe with carrot because i’m unsure about the zucchini. Does it taste actually taste like zucchini? :S This word is too funny by the way, in Spanish it’s called “calabacín” ^^
2) I used to love Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte (even though I found it a little too sweet even for me, and I’m addicted to sweet things! ), but then I discovered that it’s not vegan O_o So I will have to find something else. Any recommendation? =D
3) Nope, but I’ve tried carrot cake if it counts!
Have a great weekend my lovely! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, no!! Who wants bread that tastes like zucchini? not me! You cannot taste the zucchini at all. Zucchini doesn’t have much flavor, so it just blends right in. You should totally try it!!!
I will be sharing my pumpkin spice latte (vegan style) on the blog soon!! & it doesn’t have almond milk because I HATE ALMOND MILK warmed up! ewwwww
Carrot cake is ALWAYS acceptable 😉
xo xo
Ann says
You just had me down memory lane…..the bread AND the patterned dishes, just like my mom’s! These pictures remind me of my childhood, thanks for sparking those warm memories, made my day! I’ll have to try your recipe, looks delicious!
Taralynn McNitt says
I picked up those dishes at a thrift shop and I’m obsessed! 😀 xo xo xo
Ally says
Looks incredible! Thanks, Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
Kathy Lowe says
I woke up very early this morning to make this recipe. I had all the ingredients in the house except Swerve. I swapped it for honey! I am over the moon excited to bring this into work. I made them into muffins so I could have one with my coffee (as you suggested.) I have made many of your recipes and this is by far the best one yet! It doesn’t even taste healthy! Thank you for all that you do! I am going to tag you in the photo on my Instagram later. -Kathy Lowe
Taralynn McNitt says
This made me so happy to read & I can’t wait to see the photos! I made them into muffins last night too!!!
Rebecca Forney says
This recipe looks great! Can I use maple syrup instead of swerve?
Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
You absolutely can!!
Rebecca says
Yay thank you!!
Hannah says
I’ve got a massive courgette in our food cupboard and I had no idea what to make with it, so thank you for this recipe! I’m glad I have a day off tomorrow so I can bake this ready for the weekend & I’m so excited to try it!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I had to google courgette! So funny that it’s called different things all over the world!!! Assuming you’re French?!?! Correct me if I’m wrong!
Hannah says
Lol English! I didn’t even know that’s what they were called in France haha
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahaha! Well, my dictionary source was wrong haha! Glad I asked!
Marie says
You’re not wrong, it’s called “courgette” in french 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
woo!!!
Georgia says
Looks like a winner!
Taralynn McNitt says
I must agree!
Linda @ the Fitty says
Oh my gosh, it’s everything free! What a hit, but I still can’t have it because I ate keto, haha. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Maybe use almond flour/coconut flour/and coconut oil to make it low carb/high fat?
carrie says
I have found that if you take the flour measurement and use 2/3 almond and 1/3 coconut flour it’s a good lower carb flour replacement.
Not an expert (not even really an intermediate – HA) baker, but it has worked.
I try to go low carb I am ok taking in the carbs for a recipe like this since is healthy and seems like it would be pretty filling for maybe a more indulgent breakfast with a proten or snack!
I am really struggling with balance lately. I feel that I get super strict and then fall way off the wagon and sabotage all the work I’ve done. This kind of recipe is what I need to work in a balance and get back to health relationship with food.
Tiffany says
I made this bread this afternoon. Wonderful! Five stars.
Taralynn McNitt says
yay!!
Kinzy says
Need like now.
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t blame you!
Kendra Bubert says
Do you think almond flour would work just as well?
Taralynn McNitt says
You would have to make some measurement adjustments for sure!
Kristin says
Oh my gosh, we love zucchini bread but hate making it because of the sugar! I’m so excited to try this!
Taralynn McNitt says
I think you’ll love it! & Swerve tastes just like sugar! I love that it doesn’t have that fake taste!
Danny says
These were a hit in the office this morning. I added pumpkin instead of applesauce! It worked great!
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s and amazing idea!!
Kaloni says
Wow! This tasted exactly like my nanas!
Taralynn McNitt says
Aww! That is so great!
Jenna says
I’m definitely going to make this over the weekend! I need to go to the store, we lost a lot of our food from the hurricane!
In the next few weeks we will be making pumpkin rolls, they’re so bad for you but they taste so good and are so fun to make, it’s a huge tradition! & Yes I’ve had zucchini bread but I never eat it because it’s so bad for you, so I’m super excited to try this recipe!
Brooklyn says
I love zucchini bread so I will definitely be making this soon. I have been in such a baking mood!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Let me know what you think of it! xo
Stephanie says
I always thought zucchini bread would be savory too! I’m totally trying your recipe this weekend. It will be my first time trying it.❤️
Taralynn McNitt says
enjoy!!!
Lizzie says
Hey! Do you have any suggestions to substitute the flour? Or a healthier, wheat-free substitute?
Taralynn McNitt says
You could always try almond flour or coconut flour!
Susan says
Thank you for the recipe 😊 it was really good. I used 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup almondflour and also substituted the swerve with honey 👍
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for sharing your substitutes!
Kiera says
I cannot WAIT to try this!! My boyfriend is a big fan of zucchini bread and usually can’t even tell when I make healthier swaps! This is on my agenda this weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Please let me know what you think!!! xo
Lori says
I made your Zucchini Bread on Sunday and loved it! Thanks for keeping it healthy. : )
Taralynn McNitt says
So happy to hear that, Lori!!
Denise says
This turned out 5-star worthy. I will make again.
Thank you.
Yesenia says
Hi Taralynn! Thank you so much for this recipe! It is fantastic! It’s moist. Not to sugary tasting. Very easy and simple to make. It was DELICIOUS! Thank you again! ;D
Taralynn McNitt says
YAYA!!!! say happy you loved it!