Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread, a moist and zesty delight:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup Olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until smooth. Add the oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Add Zucchini:
Stir in the grated zucchini, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread moist.
Add Nuts (Optional):
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with a tablespoon of sugar for a slightly sweet, crispy crust (optional). Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
Zucchini Prep: To avoid excess moisture in the bread, grate the zucchini and squeeze it in a paper towel or cloth to remove any extra water.
Flavor Variations: Try adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness, or mix in a little ground ginger for added spice.
Enjoy your zesty, moist Lemon Zucchini Heaven Bread!