Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread

Introduction

Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread is a delightful treat that combines the fresh taste of lemon with the moisture of zucchini. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Its bright flavor and soft texture make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to use up the zucchini from your garden or the store!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about convenience. Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread is easy to make and requires basic ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s a wonderful way to sneak some vegetables into your diet, and the lemon adds a refreshing zing. Whether you’re looking for something sweet for brunch or a lovely gift for a friend, this bread fits the bill perfectly!

How to Make Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread

Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup grated zucchini
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Zest of 1 lemon (for glaze)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, grated zucchini, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing.

How to Serve Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread

You can enjoy this bread plain, or you can serve it with a lovely glaze on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also slice it and serve it as a sweet treat during a brunch or picnic.

How to Store Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread

To store this bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy serving!

Tips to Make Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread

Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to avoid a soggy bread.
For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest to the batter.
If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly.

Variation

You can add nuts or chocolate chips for some added texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash?
Yes, you can use other types of squash like yellow squash, but zucchini is the best for this recipe.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How can I make this bread without eggs?
You can replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals 1 egg).

Enjoy baking your Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread and the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen!