This Zucchini Walnut Spiced Bread is moist, warmly spiced, and perfectly balanced with hints of citrus and rich walnuts. A beautiful addition to breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe creates two deliciously fragrant loaves that your family will love. Let’s dive into the process and the details that make this quick bread extra special.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground allspice | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar | 2 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 1 1/2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 3 teaspoons |
| Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon |
| Fresh zucchini (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Chopped walnuts | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per loaf)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1704.7 |
| Total Fat | 105.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7g |
| Cholesterol | 158.6mg |
| Sodium | 1002.9mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 181g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2g |
| Sugars | 127.7g |
| Protein | 16.4g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pans
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Butter and flour two 8-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, allspice, and baking powder. This step ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
-
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, gently folding the batter to keep it light. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Incorporate the Zucchini and Walnuts
- Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and walnuts until just combined. The zucchini adds moisture, while the walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
-
Bake the Loaves
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve
- Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Recipe Summary
Category: Quick Breads
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves
Tips for the Best Zucchini Walnut Spiced Bread
- Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchini will provide the most moisture and the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a denser bread.
- Let the Bread Cool: Allowing the bread to cool completely will make it easier to slice and enhance the flavors.
This flavorful Zucchini Walnut Spiced Bread recipe brings together a blend of spices, citrus zest, and nutty flavors that make each bite memorable. Perfect for sharing or for enjoying over a few days with loved ones!