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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Start by washing and drying the zucchinis. Cut off the ends, then grate them using a box grater or food processor. You should have about 2 cups of shredded zucchini. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently press to remove any excess moisture. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently as you go. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until the flour is mostly incorporated.
Step 5: Add the Zucchini
Once the batter is combined, fold in the shredded zucchini. The moisture from the zucchini will help create a soft, tender bread. If you’re adding nuts or any other mix-ins, fold them in at this point.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×5-inch loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then place the pan in the preheated oven.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming too moist inside.
Slice and enjoy! The bread is delicious on its own or with a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread
- Zucchini Moisture: Make sure to press out any excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the batter. Too much moisture can cause the bread to be too dense or soggy.
- Flour Substitutes: If you want to make the bread a bit healthier, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or even almond flour. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the texture, making it denser.
- Citrus Punch: For an extra citrusy punch, you can add more lemon zest or even a teaspoon of lemon extract to enhance the lemon flavor. This works especially well if you want a more intense lemon kick.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour. Make sure to add xanthan gum if the flour blend you’re using requires it for texture.
- Nuts or No Nuts?: Adding walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds gives the bread a nice texture and extra flavor. However, if you prefer a smoother loaf, feel free to skip the nuts.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days at room temperature. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Just slice it before freezing for easy portions!
Why You’ll Love Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread
- Bright and Refreshing: The combination of zucchini and lemon offers a light, refreshing flavor that makes this bread a perfect treat for any time of year, but especially during spring and summer when fresh zucchini is in season.
- Healthy-ish: While this bread is a bit sweet, it’s also packed with healthy ingredients like zucchini, making it a more nutritious option compared to traditional dessert breads.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can make it your own by adding or omitting ingredients like nuts, raisins, or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making it for your family, bringing it to a brunch, or giving it as a gift, Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread is sure to impress with its fresh flavors and tender texture.
Conclusion
Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread is a delightful twist on the classic zucchini bread that brings in a fresh, citrusy flavor with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthier treat or just want to enjoy something deliciously different, this bread is a must-try. The natural sweetness of the zucchini combined with the zesty lemon makes this bread a crowd-pleaser that will disappear fast!
So the next time you find yourself with a bounty of zucchini, don’t just make the usual savory dishes—turn them into a delicious, light, and fragrant loaf of Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread. You won’t regret it!
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