Lighter Zucchini Banana Bread Recipe
Looking for a healthy and delicious quick bread thatโs perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a light dessert? This Lighter Zucchini Banana Bread brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the subtle moisture of zucchini, creating a moist and flavorful loaf with a tropical twist. The addition of applesauce ensures that this recipe is lighter and lower in fat, without compromising on taste or texture. This recipe makes two loaves, so itโs perfect for sharing with a crowd or enjoying over several days.
Ingredients
Below is the list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare this wonderfully moist and light zucchini banana bread.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | 1/4 cup |
| Ripe Bananas, mashed | 1 1/2 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Zucchini, grated | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chopped Nuts (optional) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each slice of this light zucchini banana bread is packed with nutrients and offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and healthy ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 148 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 35.2 mg |
| Sodium | 211.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 13.6 g |
| Protein | 2.9 g |
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake your own Lighter Zucchini Banana Bread. With just a few simple steps, youโll soon be enjoying a loaf of this moist, flavorful, and healthy quick bread.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or cooking spray, ensuring they are fully coated to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for extra assurance.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the eggs well until they become light and frothy. This will help create a light texture for the bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and mashed bananas to the eggs. Mix the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and smooth. You should have a wet mixture that is slightly thick, but not runny.
Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, which will add a nice depth of flavor to the bread. Mix until the vanilla is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly dispersed and that the bread will rise properly.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy and thick.
Step 7: Add the Zucchini & Nuts (Optional)
Fold in the grated zucchini and chopped nuts (if using). The zucchini adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb, while the nuts contribute a pleasant crunch and flavor. Stir gently until evenly combined.
Step 8: Pour into Loaf Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter and ensure itโs evenly distributed in the pans.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. You can enjoy it plain or with a light spread of butter or cream cheese.
Tips & Variations
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe, as they bring out the natural sweetness of the bread.
- Zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to add walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just make sure not to overload the batter with too many mix-ins, as this can affect the texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Sweeteners: For a healthier alternative, you can try substituting some of the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Serving Suggestions
This Lighter Zucchini Banana Bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Enjoy it as a morning breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Slice it up and serve it at your next brunch or potluck gathering.
- It also makes for an excellent afternoon snack for the kids or a healthy dessert after dinner.
- For an extra indulgent treat, toast a slice and spread with a thin layer of peanut butter or almond butter for a protein boost.
Conclusion
This Lighter Zucchini Banana Bread is a fantastic combination of healthy ingredients and irresistible flavor. With its moist texture and slight sweetness, itโs a great way to enjoy the benefits of both bananas and zucchini in one loaf. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, itโs low in fat, and the added applesauce makes it even lighter than traditional banana bread recipes, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a healthy, delicious option that doesnโt compromise on taste.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful bread with friends and family!
