Pin it
This is a simple recipe for low-sugar zucchini bread. It’s soft, thick, and very easy to make. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to change the flavor a little each time.
Every year, I plant fewer zucchini plants, but I still end up with so many zucchinis! I don’t know how it happens, but it does. I love zucchini, but it’s harder to store than other vegetables. I don’t can or freeze zucchini because it gets too soft when thawed. Instead, I make this low-sugar zucchini bread, freeze it, and call it my way of saving zucchini!
Low-Sugar Zucchini Bread Recipe
This bread is soft, thick, and easy to make. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to make it a little different each time. You can also change some ingredients to make it healthier. Below is the basic recipe, and I’ll share other options too.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Keeps the bread low in sugar.
- 2 eggs (at room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients.
- 1/2 cup milk (at room temperature): Adds moisture and softness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis – squeeze out the water): Adds moisture and nutrients.
- 1 cup add-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips (more ideas below): Customizes the flavor.
Pin it
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Hand mixer (or stand mixer): For mixing the batter.
- Flour sifter: To ensure smooth flour.
- Grater (or food processor): For grating zucchini.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients.
- Bread pan (butter it, oil it, or use parchment paper): For baking the bread.
- Cooling rack: For cooling the bread after baking.
Steps to Make the Bread
- Step 1:
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Step 2:
- Add the dry ingredients: Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into the bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Step 3:
- Add zucchini and extras: Grate the zucchini (no need to peel it). Add 1 1/2 cups of grated zucchini and 1 cup of add-ins (like nuts or chocolate chips) to the bowl. Fold them in with a spatula.
- Step 4:
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into a greased 9” x 5” loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 60-75 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Step 5:
- Cool the bread: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a cooling rack.
Pin it
Serving Ideas
This bread isn’t very sweet because it only has 1/4 cup of sugar. If you want it sweeter, drizzle honey on top or spread fruit jam on each slice. It’s great for breakfast with cheese and fruit, or as a snack with coffee.
Other Bread Recipes to Try
- Sweet Potato Bread
- Strawberry Bread
- Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bread
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread
If you’re looking for more ways to use zucchini, try a zucchini casserole or zucchini and corn fritters. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this zucchini bread vegan?
- Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil, the milk with almond milk, and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- → How do I store zucchini bread?
- Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- → Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
- Absolutely! Add up to 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
- → How do I know when the bread is done?
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- → Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Yes, you can replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.