Zucchini Bread

Ingredients

• 375g AP flour (3 cups)
• 300–350g grated zucchini (2½–3 cups, moisture gently squeezed out)
• 200g packed brown sugar (1 cup)
• 3 large eggs
• 120g vegetable oil (½ cup)
• 125g unsweetened applesauce (½ cup)
• 5g vanilla extract (1 tsp)
• 8g ground cinnamon (3 tsp)
• 5g baking soda (1 tsp)
• 4g baking powder (1 tsp)
• 6g Kosher salt (1 tsp)
• Optional Add-ins
• 60g chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup)
• 40–60g raisins (¼–½ cup)
• 0.5g ground cardamom (¼ tsp)
• 6g citrus zest (1 Tbsp, zest of 1 large orange or 2 lemons)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Grease and flour one large loaf pan or two smaller ones.
3. Prep the zucchini: Wash zucchini  then grate until small but not mushy. Gently squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel or paper towels.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. In another bowl, beat together eggs, brown sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
7. Fold in zucchini, and if using, add the nuts and/or raisins.
8. Pour the batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Divide the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans—just adjust bake time accordingly (20–30 min).
• For extra flair: sprinkle turbinado sugar or cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• Swap vegetable oil for browned butter (same amount: ½ cup).
• Brown butter adds a nutty, rich depth that transforms the flavor from good to unforgettable.
• Let it cool slightly before mixing with eggs.
• Blue Ribbon Zucchini Bread with Citrus Zest & Cardamom
• Citrus Zing (Highly Recommended!)
• Add 1 Tbsp fresh orange or lemon zest to the wet mix.
• The citrus brightens the whole loaf and adds a fresh, unexpected dimension.
• Secret Spice Boost
• Add a pinch of ground cardamom (⅛–¼ tsp) to the dry mix. It’s subtle but exotic—makes people wonder what your secret is.