With the zucchini harvest in full swing here, it’s high time we find something to do with all the green vegetable goodness! And to that, we say hello to zucchini bread with a delicious lemon glaze!
This mouthwatering zucchini bread recipe is perfect for those summer and fall months when fresh summer produce is in peak production.
It’s also great for those days when you just need something sweet and easy to bake.
This is a delicious zucchini loaf recipe made in a cast iron loaf pan that is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
It has just enough sweetness without being too sweet. And the lemon glaze adds a nice tangy flavor.
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This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Get my full disclosure here.
How to make zucchini bread
I love zucchini bread. And with the lovely contribution of sweetenings in the recipe, it’s hard to decipher if you are biting into a piece of bread or cake.
It all starts with a few key ingredients.
Zucchini bread ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Oil
- Butter
- Milk
- Eggs
- Grated zucchini
Zucchini bread recipe instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients (except zucchini) in a separate mixing bowl and mix using a hand mixer.
- Stir in the zucchini.
- Then, add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients.
- Mix with a spatula until just combined.
- Lightly grease your cast iron loaf pan and pour in the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven for one hour.
Lemon glaze
For the glaze, you will need:
- Powdered sugar
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Whole milk
Whisk the ingredients until smooth in a measuring cup and drizzle over the top of the bread once it’s cooled.
If you are asking yourself, “why do we need a glaze on top of zucchini bread?”
Imagine biting into a warm, soft slice of fresh zucchini bread; the glaze crumbles between your teeth, releasing a burst of sweet, tangy lemon goodness.
The glaze soon melts in your mouth, and the zucchini and lemon flavors unite to create the most luscious flavor on earth.
What better way to enjoy such a delightful treat?
Recipe Variations
I made this zucchini recipe several different ways before sharing this recipe here. These are just a few variations I tried and loved as well.
Just note that the texture and flavor will change, but the cooking instructions will stay the same.
- Gluten-free zucchini bread: substitute all-purpose flour 1:1 for almond flour and include three eggs instead of two.
- Sugar-free zucchini bread: substitute the brown sugar for one-third cup of honey.
- Egg-free zucchini bread: substitute one egg for one-fourth cup of applesauce; or one-half cup total of applesauce. (This did end up a little rubbery in the middle, but it was still very good).
Now that you know what you are doing try switching things up and let me know how it turns out. I think I might try adding in some persimmons now that they are in season.
Tips
- If the bread ends up rubbery, it could be the result of over-stirring the batter.
- Wait to pour the glaze over the zucchini bread until it’s nearly cooled to prevent it from all running off.
- Keep an eye on the bread near the end to prevent it from burning. Once a toothpick placed in the middle comes out clean, the bread is done.
Why you will love this zucchini bread recipe
- Great with a morning cup of coffee
- A healthier dessert alternative
- It is a fantastic way to enjoy your fresh-grown zucchini.
- Its so much fun making bread in a cast iron loaf pan!
Wrapping up
It’s time to head out to your garden, pick some zucchini and make this zucchini bread with lemon glaze today!
Being able to include a vegetable in a breakfast or dessert recipe that still tastes amazing is no simple feat.
But you’ll find those picky eaters asking for seconds or thirds and leftovers hard to come by.
I hope that you loved this simple zucchini bread as much as we did. If you tried any of the variations listed above, let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
If you are looking for more great breakfast or dessert ideas, try one of these favorites below.
Zucchini Bread with Lemon Glaze
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups of all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of pink salt
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Wet ingredients
- 3/4 cup of lightly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 4 tablespoons of butter softened
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of zucchini shredded
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon
- 1 tablespoon of whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Add wet ingredients (except zucchini) to a separate mixing bowl and mix using a hand mixer.
- Stir zucchini into the rest of the wet ingredient with a spatula
- Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a lightly greased 4X8 cast iron loaf pan.
- Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Transfer the zucchini bread to a cooling rack to cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the lemon glaze in a small measuring cup and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the loaf.