Baking · Breakfast · Snack · American

Zucchini Bread With Toasted Walnuts

Our classic zucchini bread is a tender, spice-forward loaf packed with freshly grated garden zucchini and crunchy toasted walnuts for the perfect crumb.

4.5(368 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Zucchini Bread With Toasted Walnuts — American Baking served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
55 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
10

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prep the Zucchini

  1. 1

    Grate

    Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the zucchini until you have approximately 2 cups.

    Tip: Do not peel the zucchini. The green skin provides beautiful color and adds fiber.

How to Make Zucchini Bread With Toasted Walnuts

Total time: 1 h 10 min · Yields 10 servings

  1. 1

    Preheat and Prepare

    Preheat your oven to 175 C (350 F). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

  2. 2

    Toast the Walnuts

    Place chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they smell fragrant and look golden. Set aside to cool.

  3. 3

    Whisk Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

  4. 4

    Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.

  5. 5

    Combine

    Fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Fold in the toasted walnuts last.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

  7. 7

    Cool

    Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Chef's Tips

  • Do not squeeze the water out of the zucchini unless it is exceptionally watery. That moisture is what keeps the bread tender.
  • Measure your flour by weight or use the spoon-and-level method to avoid a dry loaf.
  • For a crunchier top, sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse demerara sugar over the batter before baking.

What to Serve with Zucchini Bread With Toasted Walnuts

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Toasted with cream cheese
  • Served alongside a cup of black coffee
  • Flash-griddled in a pan with butter for extra crisp edges

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Chocolate Chip: Replace the walnuts with 100g of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Variation

Lemon Poppy Seed: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tbsp of poppy seeds to the batter.

Variation

Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. This bread also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to peel the zucchini before making zucchini bread?

No, there is no need to peel the zucchini. The skin is thin and softens completely during baking, providing texture and color.

Why is my zucchini bread dry?

Dryness usually comes from over-measuring flour or over-baking. Ensure you use the exact gram measurements provided and check the loaf at the 55-minute mark.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, but you must thaw it completely and drain excess liquid. Frozen zucchini releases much more water than fresh, so lightly pat it dry before measuring.

How can I tell when my zucchini bread is done?

Insert a sharp skewer or toothpick into the thickest part of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Should I squeeze the water out of the grated zucchini?

For this specific recipe, do not squeeze the zucchini. The moisture content of the squash is calculated into the liquid ratio of our batter.

Can I replace the oil with butter?

You can use melted butter, but oil produces a more consistent, moist crumb that stays soft for longer at room temperature.

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