Zucchini Banana Bread Loaf
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
A delightful blend of zucchini and bananas creates a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
This Zucchini Banana Bread Loaf is a family favorite, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the subtle earthiness of zucchini. It's a great way to use up extra zucchini during the summer months and makes for a delicious treat any time of year!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful with the perfect balance of sweetness
- A great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
Zucchini Banana Bread is a unique twist on traditional banana bread, offering a delightful fusion of two beloved ingredients. The moistness from the ripe bananas complements the subtle earthiness of zucchini, resulting in a flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing. Each bite reveals a harmonious balance of sweetness and warmth, making it an irresistible choice for any time of the day.
Adding zucchini not only enhances the bread's moisture but also infuses it with a nutritional boost. Zucchini is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium, making this loaf a great way to sneak in some veggies, especially for picky eaters. This delicious bread proves that healthy can be tasty!
The aromatic spices, particularly ground cinnamon, elevate the overall flavor, creating an inviting scent that fills your kitchen as it bakes. This combination not only tantalizes your taste buds but also evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy mornings spent enjoying home-baked treats.
Versatile and Convenient
One of the best aspects of Zucchini Banana Bread is its versatility. It serves beautifully as a breakfast item, a midday snack, or even a dessert after dinner. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a spread of cream cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. It's perfect for sharing with family and friends or as a thoughtful gift for neighbors.
This recipe is also incredibly convenient. It requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you're looking to use up overripe bananas or garden-fresh zucchini, this loaf is an excellent way to reduce food waste while creating something delicious.
For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, consider adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a dash of nutmeg. Each variation can create a new favorite version of this classic loaf.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Mix all ingredients until just combined. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated zucchini, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Highlights
This Zucchini Banana Bread not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a nutritious boost. With the inclusion of bananas, you gain potassium, which is important for heart health and muscle function. Zucchini adds fiber to your diet, promoting digestive health and keeping you full for longer periods.
Using vegetable oil in this recipe contributes healthy fats, which can aid in heart health when consumed in moderation. Additionally, walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this loaf a more well-rounded snack or meal option.
A Family Favorite
Zucchini Banana Bread is bound to become a family favorite! Its delightful taste and moist texture appeal to people of all ages, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings or school lunches. Kids will love the sweetness, while parents will appreciate the nutritious ingredients hidden within.
This recipe is also an excellent way to involve children in the kitchen. From mashing bananas to mixing the batter, kids can participate in the fun of baking. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach them about cooking while creating lasting memories together.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the batter.
→ How do I store the bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based oil.
→ What can I add to the bread for extra flavor?
Consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like nutmeg for an extra kick!
Zucchini Banana Bread Loaf
A delightful blend of zucchini and bananas creates a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Bread
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated zucchini, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g