Discover a delightful and refreshing treat with this Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread. Combining the subtle sweetness of zucchini with the bright tang of lemon, this moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. The bread is topped with a simple lemon glaze, adding a sweet and tangy finish. Serve it sliced and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread is a delightful blend of fresh zucchini and tangy lemon, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that's perfect for any occasion. This bread combines the subtle sweetness of zucchini with the bright citrus notes of lemon, making it a refreshing treat. Let's explore the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious bread.
INGREDIENTS
- All-Purpose Flour: Use 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour as the base of the bread.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise. Use 1/2 teaspoon.
- Baking Soda: Another leavening agent to help the bread rise. Use 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors. Use 1/2 teaspoon.
- Eggs: Use 2 large eggs, which provide structure and richness.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture. Use 1/2 cup.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread. Use 3/4 cup.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and moisture. Use 1/2 cup.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness. Use 1 teaspoon.
- Grated Zucchini: Adds moisture and a subtle flavor. Use 1 cup of grated zucchini.
- Lemon Zest: Provides a bright citrus flavor. Use the zest of 1 lemon.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess. Use the juice of 1 lemon.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze. Use 1 cup.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess to the glaze. Use 2 tablespoons.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a citrusy touch. Use the zest of 1 lemon.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until well combined. This will create a smooth, creamy base for the batter.
- Step 4:
- Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, grated zucchini, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the egg mixture. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Step 6:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the bread is fully baked.
- Step 7:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Step 8:
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing. This adds a sweet and tangy finish to the bread.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread sliced and enjoy it as a delightful snack, breakfast treat, or dessert. The combination of lemon and zucchini provides a refreshing flavor that's perfect for any time of day. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the bread to extend its freshness for up to 5 days. For a special touch, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Helpful Notes
To ensure the best texture, be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar in the glaze or add a bit more lemon zest for extra citrus flavor. For added moisture, you can also substitute some of the vegetable oil with melted butter. This bread can be made a day in advance, and the flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
Tips from well-known chefs
Chef Ina Garten recommends using fresh, high-quality lemons for the best zest and juice, as they add a bright and vibrant flavor.
Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spicy note that complements the lemon.
Chef Jamie Oliver advises grating the zucchini finely to blend seamlessly into the bread, adding moisture without being too noticeable.