Vegan Zucchini Bread is the perfect combination of health, flavor, and comfort in a single loaf.
This dairy-free and egg-free version of the classic zucchini bread is not only incredibly moist but also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a fantastic treat for anyone following a plant-based diet or looking for a healthier alternative.
The zucchini adds natural moisture and subtle flavor, while the warm spices give it that cozy, homemade touch.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast bread, a midday snack, or a light dessert, this vegan zucchini bread is sure to satisfy.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like walnuts or dairy-free chocolate chips.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Zucchini Bread
This Vegan Zucchini Bread is a versatile and satisfying recipe that appeals to everyone, whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a delicious, healthier alternative.
The bread is wonderfully moist, thanks to the zucchini, which acts as a natural binder while adding fiber and nutrients.
The best part? You don’t have to compromise on taste. With the right combination of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla, this zucchini bread is bursting with flavor.
It’s also incredibly easy to make with ingredients that are typically already on hand in your kitchen.
Not only is this bread a great snack or breakfast item, but it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies.
And for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is completely dairy-free and egg-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for those with food sensitivities.
Whether you like it plain, with a handful of walnuts, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips, you can tailor it to suit your taste!
Ingredients Needed for Vegan Zucchini Bread
To make this delicious Vegan Zucchini Bread, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the bread, giving it structure. For a healthier option, you can substitute with whole wheat flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Works in conjunction with the baking soda to provide lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds – This acts as an egg replacement when mixed with water to form a flax egg, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness. You can substitute this with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural option.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with coconut oil for a different flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a rich, aromatic sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini – This is the star ingredient! Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the batter.
- Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts – Adds crunch and flavor.
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips – For a decadent twist.
Tools You’ll Need for Baking
To make your Vegan Zucchini Bread, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to help you create the perfect loaf. These tools will ensure that the batter comes together smoothly and the bread bakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls – A large bowl for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients helps keep things organized and ensures proper mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to getting the right texture and flavor in your bread.
- Box grater – Used for grating the zucchini. You’ll want to grate it finely to incorporate it smoothly into the batter.
- Whisk – For combining the dry ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Spatula – A rubber spatula helps fold the wet and dry ingredients together gently without overmixing.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – This size is ideal for baking your zucchini bread to the perfect height and texture.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – For easy removal of the loaf from the pan after baking.
- Cooling rack – To allow the bread to cool evenly and prevent it from becoming soggy at the bottom.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Zucchini Bread
Follow these simple steps to bake your Vegan Zucchini Bread to perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini.
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels and gently squeeze to remove any excess moisture. This prevents the bread from becoming too soggy. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Ensure that the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step 4: Prepare the Flax Egg
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds and 3 tablespoons water. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and form the flax egg. This will act as a binder in place of eggs.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the prepared flax egg.
- Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the bread’s texture.
Step 7: Add the Zucchini
- Fold the grated zucchini into the batter until evenly distributed. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold those in as well.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Let the zucchini bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure the texture sets properly.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Zucchini Bread
To ensure your Vegan Zucchini Bread turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Drain the Zucchini: After grating the zucchini, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense, tough loaf. Stir until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Customize Your Bread: Add-ins like walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit can elevate the flavor of your bread. Experiment to find your perfect mix-ins.
- Test for Doneness: To check if your zucchini bread is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Oven Variations: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-baking.
- Let it Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain the structure of the loaf and prevents it from falling apart.
Storing and Freezing Vegan Zucchini Bread
Properly storing and freezing your Vegan Zucchini Bread will help maintain its flavor and moisture for longer, so you can enjoy it even after baking.
Storing
- Room Temperature: Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator: If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
- Whole Loaf: If you plan to keep your zucchini bread for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Sliced Bread: You can also slice the bread before freezing. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutritional Information for Vegan Zucchini Bread
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for 1 slice of Vegan Zucchini Bread (assuming the recipe yields 10 slices):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28gDietary Fiber: 2gSugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 4% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 4% of the DV
- Calcium: 2% of the DV
- Iron: 6% of the DV
This bread is a great source of fiber and healthy fats, and with the added zucchini, it provides a small dose of vitamins and minerals. While it’s a treat, it’s also a more health-conscious option for a baked good.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Vegan Zucchini Bread
This Vegan Zucchini Bread is a true winner in both flavor and versatility. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make, with wholesome ingredients that make it suitable for anyone, whether they follow a vegan diet or not.
The zucchini adds a natural sweetness and moisture, while the spices make every bite comforting and aromatic.
It’s perfect for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a light dessert to enjoy with your favorite beverage.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a delicious, plant-based bread that rivals any traditional zucchini bread.
It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing taste, and with the option to customize the recipe with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, it’s endlessly adaptable.
Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a healthier baking option, this zucchini bread will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour (ensure you use a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum or similar). If using almond flour, you will need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly.
2. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup. You may need to adjust the dry ingredients slightly if using liquid sweeteners.
3. How can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make this vegan zucchini bread nut-free, simply omit any nuts from the recipe. You can substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture, or leave them out entirely.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, you can add dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter if you want to add a sweet touch. About ½ cup of chocolate chips works perfectly and complements the zucchini’s natural sweetness.
5. Can I make this recipe without flaxseeds?
If you don’t have flaxseeds, you can substitute with chia seeds or even applesauce. For every tablespoon of flaxseeds, use 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to form a gel-like consistency.
Vegan Zucchini Bread
Equipment
- 1 9×5-inch Loaf Pan
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Box grater
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Rubber Spatula
- 1 Measuring cups (for dry and liquid ingredients)
- 1 Cooling Rack
- 1 Parchment Paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 3 tablespoons water to make flax egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini squeezed dry
Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the flax egg: Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and the prepared flax egg. Stir until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add zucchini: Gently fold in the grated zucchini, followed by any optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Drain the zucchini well: To prevent the bread from becoming too soggy, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Customize with add-ins: You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or dairy-free chocolate chips to enhance the texture and flavor.
- Flour alternatives: Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier, more fiber-rich loaf. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage: This bread keeps well at room temperature for 3–4 days when wrapped tightly. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- For a moister loaf: You can add a tablespoon of applesauce for extra moisture and flavor.