Delicious Zucchini Bread with Superb Lemon Butter
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves
This cherished family recipe, handed down through generations, is a staple in our home every Sunday morning. Its delightful blend of flavors and moist texture make it an irresistible treat, perfect for breakfast or a comforting afternoon snack. The zucchini adds a subtle moisture and a hint of sweetness, while the lemon zest in both the bread and the butter enhances the flavors, creating a refreshing contrast that is simply divine.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 3 eggs
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 3 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 lemon, zest of (for the butter)
Nutritional Information (per loaf):
- Calories: 2384.3 kcal
- Fat Content: 163.9 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 45.8 g
- Cholesterol Content: 439.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 3050.3 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 210.5 g
- Fiber Content: 5.4 g
- Sugar Content: 111.9 g
- Protein Content: 24.4 g
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the bread evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Slowly add the shredded zucchini to the egg mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine. The zucchini should be well incorporated, giving the batter a moist texture.
- Add the zest of 1 lemon to the mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will give your bread a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the zucchini.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step is crucial for ensuring that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any pockets of baking soda or baking powder in the final bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. A few lumps are okay.
- Divide the batter evenly between two greased loaf pans. Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly to the edges of the pans to ensure even baking.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bread towards the end of the baking time.
- Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows it to finish cooling evenly.
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Honey Butter
- While the bread is cooling, prepare the lemon honey butter. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened butter with the zest of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup honey. Mix until smooth and creamy. This butter is the perfect accompaniment to the warm bread, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that melts beautifully on top of each slice.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the zucchini bread warm, with a generous spread of lemon honey butter. The warmth of the bread will melt the butter, creating a luscious, flavorful topping. Each bite is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and moist textures, making this bread a true breakfast delight.
This zucchini bread is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a taste of home that brings comfort and joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy on a quiet morning, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household too. Enjoy the flavors, the process, and the memories that come with each slice. Happy baking!
