Blueberry Zucchini Bread

When it comes to summer baking, there’s nothing quite as delightful as the combination of fresh blueberries and tender zucchini. This Blueberry Zucchini Bread is not only incredibly moist and flavorful but also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s simple to whip up with ingredients you likely already have on hand!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Blueberry Zucchini Bread stands out for several reasons. First, the addition of zucchini adds moisture without overpowering the flavor, resulting in a bread that’s tender and soft. The natural sweetness from the blueberries and a touch of honey or pure maple syrup balances perfectly with the slight earthiness of the zucchini. The use of whole wheat flour boosts the nutritional profile, giving you a satisfying treat that you can feel good about indulging in. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

What You’ll Need

To make this delightful bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup coarsely grated zucchini (unpeeled zucchini, about 1 small or medium)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup canola oil or melted and cooled coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 small lemon)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour, plus 1 tablespoon for tossing with blueberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (fresh or frozen, no need to thaw), plus additional for the top

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools handy:

• Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients.
• Grater – for grating the zucchini.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Loaf pan – to bake your Blueberry Zucchini Bread in.
• Whisk or spoon – for mixing the batter.
• Oven – preheat to ensure your bread rises perfectly.

Cook Blueberry Zucchini Bread Like This

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious loaf of Blueberry Zucchini Bread:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Make sure to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the grated zucchini, egg, Greek yogurt, canola oil (or melted coconut oil), honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

Step 6: Fold in Blueberries

Toss the fresh blueberries with the reserved tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.

Step 7: Pour into Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, add a few extra blueberries on top for a pop of color.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Dietary Customizations

You can easily customize this Blueberry Zucchini Bread to fit your dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
• Nut-Free: Ensure that any additional toppings or mix-ins, like nuts, are omitted or replaced with seeds instead.

Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for this Blueberry Zucchini Bread comes from the desire to create a wholesome and guilt-free treat that the entire family can enjoy. Zucchini is often underestimated when it comes to baking, but its mild flavor allows for a perfect base that enhances the sweetness of the blueberries. This recipe not only showcases the versatility of zucchini but also celebrates the joy of baking with seasonal produce. It’s a great way to use up any extra zucchinis from your garden or local farmer’s market.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you find yourself with leftover Blueberry Zucchini Bread (which is rare, but can happen!), here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For the best taste, reheat slices in the toaster or microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

Popular Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries without thawing them. Just toss them in flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking.

How can I make this bread healthier?

To make this Blueberry Zucchini Bread healthier, consider using whole grain flour, reducing the sugar, or substituting the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the bread?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Just fold them in along with the blueberries.

What can I serve with blueberry zucchini bread?

This bread is delightful on its own but can also be served with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a spread of almond butter, or even a drizzle of honey for an added touch of sweetness.

Explore More

If you love zucchini in your baked goods, check out these other delicious recipes:

• Dill Garlic Pickled Zucchini Chips
• Zucchini Texas Sheet Cake
• Lemon Zucchini Cake

Final Bite

This Blueberry Zucchini Bread is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes for a satisfying treat at any time of day. Whether you bake it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab those zucchinis and blueberries, and let’s get baking!

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