Home » Recipes
ByTaralynn

The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe | Moist & Simple Ingredients

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This moist zucchini bread recipe is one of my favorite ways to use fresh garden zucchini. I used to make this zucchini bread for my farmers markets, and it has become one of those recipes I come back to year after year.

Made with freshly grated zucchini, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and warm spices, this easy zucchini bread stays incredibly moist and flavorful. The recipe makes two loaves, so you can enjoy one now and freeze or share the second!

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Bread

  • Incredibly moist and tender
  • Filled with fresh zucchini
  • Warm cinnamon and allspice flavor
  • No electric mixer needed
  • Makes two loaves
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Easy ingredient substitutions
zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

I bake according to the weather. It was chilly and rainy yesterday, and while walking through the grocery store, I suddenly wanted to bake a loaf of cinnamon-spiced zucchini bread. As soon as I mentioned it, Kyle said, “YES, make that!”

Zucchini bread is one of our favorite treats, especially with a hot cup of coffee in the afternoon. I love that it works year-round—fresh zucchini makes it perfect for summer, while the cinnamon and warm spices make this moist zucchini bread just as cozy in the fall and winter.

I’m looking forward to growing a ton of zucchini in the garden this year so I can make plenty of loaves!

  • summer squash bread, zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, zucchini recipes, summer recipes, zucchini baking, how to use up zucchini, growing zucchini
  • summer squash bread, zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, zucchini recipes, summer recipes, zucchini baking, how to use up zucchini, growing zucchini

Easy Zucchini Bread & No Mixer Needed

Sometimes taking the electric mixer out of the pantry feels like more work than it’s worth, so I love that this zucchini bread can be made completely by hand. It’s simple, reliable, and pretty foolproof.

I tried zucchini bread for the first time about nine years ago after a run uptown. I stopped at Central Coffee Co. for a latte and a slice of zucchini bread, and I was hooked after the first bite! I went back almost weekly for their bread until I eventually started making my own.

If I ever owned a bakery, this is exactly the kind of zucchini bread I’d always have stocked in the dessert case.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it makes two loaves of zucchini bread. One to enjoy now and one to share with a neighbor or family member, or save for later. We love it slightly warm with a little butter, but it’s also delicious plain. And in my opinion, a thick slice with a hot cup of coffee is the best way to enjoy it!

zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

Zucchini Bread Ingredients and Substitutions

All-Purpose Flour
Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Zucchini
Use freshly grated zucchini and do not drain or squeeze out the moisture. The moisture helps make this zucchini bread soft and tender.

Melted Butter
I use melted butter in this recipe for a rich flavor and moist texture. Let it cool slightly before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.

Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds extra moisture to the bread. Sour cream can be substituted.

Eggs
Help bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure.

Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps create the soft texture of the bread.

Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and flavor.

Cinnamon + Allspice
These are what give the zucchini bread its cozy, spiced flavor.

Baking Soda + Baking Powder
Help the loaves rise and stay light.

Sea Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Optional Add-Ins

Walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries are all delicious additions.

  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread
  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

Video Tutorial Below!

zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

Optional: Add Maple Icing

Want to turn this zucchini bread into more of a dessert? Drizzle the cooled loaf with the maple icing from my pumpkin bars. The maple flavor is so good with the cinnamon, allspice, and zucchini and makes this especially delicious for fall.

Make sure the zucchini bread is completely cooled before adding the icing so it stays thick and doesn’t melt into the loaf.

  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread
  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread
  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread
  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

How to Make Zucchini Bread

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two loaf pans with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla, Greek yogurt, and melted butter until smooth.

STEP THREE: Add the flour, cinnamon, allspice, sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread
  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread
  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

STEP FOUR: Fold in the freshly grated zucchini. Do not drain or squeeze the zucchini. The extra moisture helps keep the bread soft and moist.

STEP FIVE: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.

STEP SIX: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

STEP SEVEN: Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 15–20 minutes before removing and slicing.

zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

Tips for the Best Moist Zucchini Bread

Don’t drain the zucchini. For this recipe, keep all that natural moisture in the freshly grated zucchini. It helps make the bread incredibly soft and moist.

Don’t overmix the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bread more dense.

Measure the zucchini after grating. Grate your zucchini first, then measure out the amount needed for the recipe.

Use slightly cooled melted butter. Let the butter cool for a few minutes before mixing it with the eggs and Greek yogurt.

Don’t overbake. Start checking the loaves toward the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the bread cool before slicing. Give it about 15–20 minutes to set before removing it from the pan and slicing.

Freeze the second loaf. Since this recipe makes two loaves, I love enjoying one fresh and freezing the other for later.

  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread
  • zucchini, zucchini bread, the best zucchini bread, no electric mixer necessary, healthy bread, hidden vegetables, spiced bread, bread is delicious, fall, easter, holiday, two loaves, zucchini loaves, baking, gluten-free, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, breakfast bread, thank you bread, baking, zucchini, vegetable bread

How to Store & Freeze Zucchini Bread

Let the zucchini bread cool completely before storing it. Keep the loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly to help maintain its soft, moist texture.

Since this recipe makes two loaves, I love freezing one for later. You can freeze the entire loaf or cut it into individual slices first. I prefer freezing individual slices so I can grab one whenever I want a quick breakfast or afternoon treat.

To enjoy a frozen slice, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. It comes out soft and delicious—especially with a little butter and a cup of coffee!

Zucchini Bread FAQs

Do you need to peel zucchini for zucchini bread?

No! There’s no need to peel the zucchini before grating it. The skin softens as the bread bakes and adds those pretty little green flecks throughout the loaf.

Do you squeeze the water out of zucchini for zucchini bread?

Not for this recipe. I do not drain or squeeze my grated zucchini because that natural moisture helps keep the zucchini bread soft and moist.

Why is my zucchini bread dry?

Overbaking, adding too much flour, or squeezing too much moisture from the zucchini can result in dry zucchini bread. Measure your ingredients carefully and start checking the loaves toward the end of the baking time.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries are all delicious additions. Fold them into the batter along with the grated zucchini.

Can I freeze zucchini bread?

Yes! Let the bread cool completely, then freeze the whole loaf or individual slices in an airtight freezer-safe container. I love freezing individual slices so they’re easy to grab and warm up later.

Can I make this zucchini bread gluten-free?

Yes! I’ve made this zucchini bread using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, and it works great. Simply replace the regular all-purpose flour with the same amount of 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Have more fresh zucchini to use up? Here are a few of my favorite zucchini recipes to make next!

More Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love

Frosted Zucchini Cake Bars
Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Casserole
Healthy Zucchini Oatmeal Blender Bars: Easy Toddler Recipe

summer squash bread, zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, zucchini recipes, summer recipes, zucchini baking, how to use up zucchini, growing zucchini

The Best Moist Zucchini Bread Recipe

Taralynn
This easy zucchini bread recipe is incredibly moist, warmly spiced with cinnamon and allspice, and packed with fresh grated zucchini. No mixer required, and one batch makes two delicious loaves!
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Servings 18 Slices

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour can also be used
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon Cinnamon
  • 2 Teaspoons Allspice
  • 2 1/2 Cups Sugar
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons Greek Yogurt
  • 4 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup melted butter slightly cooled
  • 2 Cups Grated Zucchini not drained

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F
  • Line two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and allspice.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla, Greek yogurt, and slightly cooled melted butter.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
    Fold in the freshly grated zucchini. Do not drain or squeeze the zucchini.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
  • Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the bread cool for 15–20 minutes before removing from the pans and slicing.

Notes

Do not drain or squeeze the grated zucchini. Its natural moisture helps keep the bread soft and moist. Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with the same amount of 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour.
Keyword zucchini bread recipe, best zucchini bread recipe, moist zucchini bread, easy zucchini bread, spiced zucchini bread
Tried this recipe?Leave a Rating!
2Shares
Posted In: Breakfast, Dessert, Fall Dishes, Recipes, Thanksgiving, Top Recipes, Trending

Keep Up with Taralynn

5 from 5 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Recipe




7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    We tried this recipe last night using the butter and it was a hit in our house. My daughter, who doesn’t like food, had three slices!

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    I loved this recipe and it was easy to make vegan thank you

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    Good recipe. I thought that 2.5 cups of sugar would be a lot but it’s just fine. The batter is quite thick, a regular hand mixer wouldn’t be able to handle it. Bread was soft and moist with a little crunch on the top. The recipe made about 5.5 cups and I made 5 mini loaves. I’d use this recipe again.

    Reply
  4. Victoria Brake says:

    5 stars
    delicious… I add chopped pecans in my version. ty

    Reply

  5. 5 stars
    The bread was excellent and loved how the top turned out. Will definitely be making this bread, my favorite.

    Reply