Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread Recipe

Get ready to experience a slice of pure comfort with Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread. This beloved classic is everything you want in a homemade treat: moist, fragrant, just sweet enough, and flecked with flecks of fresh zucchini, crunchy pecans, and chewy raisins. Whether you serve it for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a midnight snack, Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread brings a nostalgic, heartwarming flavor that never goes out of style—and trust me, it’s even better than you remember!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, and each ingredient has a purpose. These staples work in harmony to create a loaf that’s beautifully tender, packed with texture, and spiced just right—no unnecessary frills required.

• Eggs: The foundation for richness and structure; gives the bread its classic, tender crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens things up and helps create that delicious golden crust.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb moist and soft for days; don’t substitute with butter if you want the authentic texture.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the bread, giving it that signature hearty bite.
• Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise and stay light, not dense.
• Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for the ultimate lift and perfect crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.
• Cinnamon: Infuses every bite with cozy warmth; don’t skimp!
• Zucchini (grated): Adds essential moisture plus those pretty green flecks—no one will taste the veggie, just the goodness.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out all the flavors; a must in any classic quick bread.
• Pecans (chopped): Offer up buttery crunch in every bite; walnuts work too if you prefer.
• Raisins: Bring pops of chewy sweetness that pair perfectly with cinnamon and nuts.

How to Make Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your bundt pan a generous grease and flour (or use a trusty non-stick baking spray) so that your beautiful loaf will slip out easily later—no sticking, no crumbling, just that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your favorite mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and oil. Use a mixer set to medium-low speed. Let it run until the mixture looks creamy and pale—that’s your cue that everything’s blended and ready for the next stage. This base makes sure your Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread will be moist and tender.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Time to add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Keep the mixer going gently as you sprinkle them in. The batter will start to thicken, and the room will fill with the scent of cinnamon and sugar. Don’t overmix—the less you fuss, the more tender your bread will be.

Step 4: Incorporate Zucchini and Vanilla

Before you add the zucchini, squeeze out as much moisture as you can—just grab handfuls and wring them over the sink or a towel. This step prevents soggy bread! Gently fold the zucchini and vanilla extract into your batter. Already, you’ll see vibrant green speckles and smell an inviting, homey aroma.

Step 5: Stir in Pecans and Raisins

Put down the mixer! Grab a spatula and stir in the chopped pecans and raisins by hand, just until everything’s distributed evenly. The nuts and fruit add such a wonderful pop of texture and flavor that truly makes this an Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread recipe to remember.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the thick, luscious batter into your greased and floured bundt pan. Give the pan a little shake to smooth the top, then slide it into the center of your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean—this is the moment when your kitchen will smell completely irresistible!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

You can absolutely enjoy Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread straight up, but if you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar, a flurry of toasted pecans, or a drizzle of vanilla glaze makes it even more special. For a cozy brunch look, try a few thin curls of zucchini or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Side Dishes

This bread is honestly perfect with nothing more than a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you’re building a brunch spread, serve it alongside a fruit salad, some creamy Greek yogurt, or even a few slices of sharp cheddar cheese. The blend of sweet, spice, and crunch plays so well with both savory and fruity sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices of Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread into dessert by topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swoosh of sweetened whipped cream. For party platters, cut into generous cubes and serve on a tray with toothpicks. Or, make an eye-catching layered trifle: alternate cubes of bread with lemon or cinnamon-spiced whipped cream in glass jars for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, wrap your Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight container. It stays gloriously moist for up to four days at room temperature. If your kitchen is overly warm, keep it in the fridge for extra freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is a breeze! Wrap the completely cooled bread (whole or sliced) in a double layer of plastic wrap and then foil, or pop it into a zip-top bag. Label and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a homemade treat, just thaw it at room temperature—almost as good as freshly baked.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked goodness, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, or in a toaster oven until gently heated through. A few seconds is all you need to bring out the soft, slightly steamy texture of Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread again.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or even chopped almonds work beautifully here. Use whatever nut you prefer or have on hand—they’ll all add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.

Do I have to peel the zucchini first?

No need to peel! The skin is tender and nutritious, and those green flecks are part of what makes Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread so charming. Just wash well and grate.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The bread may be just a bit more delicate, but it will still deliver wonderful flavor and texture.

Why do I need to squeeze the zucchini?

Zucchini contains a lot of moisture. Squeezing it out prevents the bread from getting soggy and ensures you get a perfect, tender crumb every time.

Can I make muffins with this batter?

You definitely can! Just grease a muffin tin or use paper liners, fill them about two-thirds full, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a loaf of Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread—whether it’s at your kitchen table or packaged up for a friend. Give this recipe a try, and let every slice remind you why some classics never go out of style. Enjoy every bite!

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