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Freshly baked zucchini bread loaf sliced on a marble board with whole zucchini nearby

Best Zucchini Bread Recipe Classic Homemade Favorite - Moist, Simple, and Reliable

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Slices

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but lovely)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or light olive)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (about 260g) grated zucchini (from 1–2 medium zucchinis)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pan and oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with a parchment sling for easy removal.
  • Grate the zucchini: Use the large holes of a box grater. Lightly blot the grated zucchini with paper towels if it seems very wet, but don’t squeeze it dry—you want some moisture.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  • Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened, about 30–45 seconds.
  • Combine batter: Add the dry mixture to the wet. Stir gently with a spatula until a few flour streaks remain. Fold in the grated zucchini and any mix-ins (nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins) just until blended. Do not overmix.
  • Fill the pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If you like, sprinkle a teaspoon of coarse sugar on top for a light crunch.
  • Bake: Place on the center rack and bake for 50–60 minutes. Start checking at 48 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Lift it out using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack. Cool at least 1 hour before slicing to set the crumb.
  • Slice and serve: Use a serrated knife for neat slices. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, plain or with a pat of butter or cream cheese.