Zucchini Chia Bread is a nutritious, moist, and flavorful quick bread that effortlessly combines the wholesome goodness of zucchini with the superfood benefits of chia seeds.
If you’re looking for a healthy snack or breakfast option, this bread is perfect! It’s easy to make, and the zucchini adds a lovely moisture while the chia seeds bring a subtle crunch and a boost of nutrition.
Whether you’re using up extra zucchini from the garden or simply craving a hearty loaf, this Zucchini Chia Bread is the answer.
Enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter — it’s sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Chia Bread
This Zucchini Chia Bread isn’t just delicious—it’s a healthy indulgence. With the combination of zucchini and chia seeds, each slice is packed with nutrients.
The zucchini makes the bread incredibly moist while adding a subtle, mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the slight crunch of chia seeds.
Chia seeds are a powerhouse ingredient, offering fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making this bread a great choice for a well-balanced breakfast or a filling snack.
You’ll also love how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Plus, the bread is versatile—you can customize it by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a hint of cinnamon for extra warmth.
With its healthy ingredients and irresistible texture, this zucchini chia bread will be a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Zucchini Chia Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) grated zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (for sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel. Set it aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chia seeds. If you’re adding cinnamon, mix it in with the dry ingredients as well.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
Step 6: Add the Zucchini and Optional Add-ins
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Mix until the zucchini is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Store Zucchini Chia Bread
This Zucchini Chia Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a resealable bag.
It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight at room temperature before serving, or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini Chia Bread is a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and texture.
Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert, this quick bread makes a healthy and satisfying treat.
With its moist crumb and nutty crunch, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and add chia’s nutritional benefits to your day.
Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, you’ll want to bake this bread over and over again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! You can use whole wheat flour for a denser texture or a gluten-free flour blend to make the bread gluten-free. Just make sure the flour is a direct 1:1 substitution.
2. Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) or chia eggs (same ratio as flax). This will still provide a moist texture.
3. How can I make this bread sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can increase the sugar by up to ¼ cup. Alternatively, you can add chocolate chips or raisins for added sweetness.
4. Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds extra nutrients and will blend seamlessly into the bread. Just be sure to grate it finely.
5. Can I add other mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts (like walnuts, pecans, or almonds) and dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots) make great additions to this bread. Just fold them in with the zucchini.
Zucchini Chia Bread
Equipment
- 1 9×5-inch Loaf Pan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 small mixing bowl (for wet ingredients)
- 1 Box Grater or Food Processor (for grating zucchini)
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- ½ cup 100g brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 120g grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Squeeze out the excess moisture with a kitchen towel or paper towel and set it aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and chia seeds.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Zucchini and Optional Add-ins
- Gently fold in the grated zucchini and any optional nuts or dried fruits.
Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- To reduce sugar: You can decrease the sugar amount by ¼ cup or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- To add flavor: Feel free to incorporate spices like nutmeg or cinnamon into the dry ingredients for a more aromatic bread.
- Make it vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based oil.
- Zucchini moisture: Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.