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Zucchini Orange Bread is a delightful twist on the classic quick bread recipe, combining the subtle earthiness of zucchini with the bright, refreshing citrus flavor of orange.
The result is a moist and tender loaf with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a light dessert.
This bread is a wonderful way to use up extra zucchini from the garden while enjoying the delicious aroma of fresh oranges.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional zucchini bread or looking for a fun new twist, this Zucchini Orange Bread will surely become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Orange Bread
This Zucchini Orange Bread is truly a treat for your taste buds.
The combination of tender, shredded zucchini and fresh orange zest gives the bread a delicate balance of flavors.
The moisture from the zucchini keeps the bread soft and fluffy, while the orange adds a zesty freshness that complements the sweetness perfectly.
It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to make and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
What makes this bread special is its ability to combine healthy ingredients with indulgent flavors.
You get the benefit of vegetables in your baked goods, making it feel just a little bit lighter while still offering a satisfying sweetness.
It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies, especially for kids or anyone who might not usually enjoy zucchini.
The citrusy touch elevates the bread, making it feel like a refreshing treat without being overpowering.
Perfect for meal prep, this bread stays fresh for several days, allowing you to enjoy a slice whenever you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Zucchini Orange Bread, you’ll need a mix of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a moist, flavorful loaf.
- Zucchini: The star ingredient that adds moisture and texture to the bread. Make sure to shred it finely and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh orange zest provides aromatic oils that enhance the citrus flavor, while the juice adds brightness and moisture to the batter.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the bread’s structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour if you prefer a heartier texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bread rise and become light and airy.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth to the bread, complementing the orange and zucchini flavors.
- Sugar (White and Brown): A combination of both sugars creates the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s richness.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Adds moisture and a bit of richness. Olive oil also gives the bread a slight savory note, balancing the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic addition to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: To bring out all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
These ingredients come together to create a loaf that’s perfectly balanced in flavor and texture—moist with a subtle hint of citrus and spice.
How to Make Zucchini Orange Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini and Orange
Start by shredding the zucchini using a fine grater or food processor.
Once shredded, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out any excess moisture.
Set it aside. Next, zest the orange to capture the aromatic oils, and then juice it. You’ll need both the zest and juice for the recipe.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add in the olive oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is fully combined.
Stir in the fresh orange juice and zest, ensuring that the citrus flavor is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Once the batter is mixed, fold in the shredded zucchini. Be sure to fold it in evenly to ensure every bite has that delicious zucchini moisture.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The bread should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Orange Bread
- Drain the Zucchini Well: Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing it into the batter. This prevents the bread from becoming too soggy and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly zested orange peel. The natural oils from the zest will bring a vibrant citrus flavor to the bread.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor: Consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Dried cranberries or raisins also pair wonderfully with this bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just incorporated. Overmixing the batter can result in a denser, less airy loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Check the bread at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done!
Conclusion
Zucchini Orange Bread is a wonderfully unique recipe that combines the best of both savory and sweet.
The moist zucchini adds a subtle texture, while the fresh orange brings a refreshing citrusy zing.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert.
It’s easy to make, healthy, and adaptable—ideal for experimenting with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Whether you’re a fan of classic zucchini bread or looking for something new, this Zucchini Orange Bread will not disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the batter.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Make sure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for better texture.
3. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of orange?
Absolutely! You can swap the orange for lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a different citrusy twist.
4. How do I store the bread?
Store your Zucchini Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
You can also refrigerate it for longer storage, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make this bread in muffin form instead of a loaf?
Yes, you can make this bread into muffins!
Just divide the batter among a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Zucchini Orange Bread
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- 1 Mixing Bowl (Large)
- 1 small bowl for dry ingredients
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Grater (for shredding zucchini)
- 1 spoon or spatula (for folding ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 180g All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- ½ cup 100g White sugar
- ¼ cup 50g Brown sugar
- ½ cup 120ml Olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 medium Orange zest and juice
- 1 ½ cups 180g Shredded zucchini (drained)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Zucchini and Orange: Shred the zucchini finely and squeeze out excess moisture. Zest and juice the orange, setting both aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, olive oil (or butter), vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the Zucchini: Gently fold in the shredded zucchini, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: 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 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Moisture Level: Be sure to drain the zucchini well to avoid excess moisture in the bread.
- Add-ins: You can add nuts (walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for longer freshness or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Substitutions: For a lighter version, you can substitute olive oil with applesauce or yogurt. Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a heartier bread.
