Zucchini Banana Bread is the perfect harmony of sweet and wholesome flavors wrapped in a moist, tender loaf. This delightful recipe takes the classic beloved banana bread and elevates it by adding freshly grated zucchini, which not only boosts the nutritional value but also keeps the bread incredibly soft and luscious.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack to enjoy with your morning coffee or a comforting treat to share with family and friends, this bread ticks all the boxes. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas paired with the subtle earthiness of zucchini creates a balanced flavor profile that satisfies your sweet tooth without overwhelming it with sugar.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak some veggies into your diet in the most delicious way imaginable. Easy to make and loaded with simple ingredients, this bread is a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels eager to try something new and nourishing.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll Love Zucchini Banana Bread
Zucchini Banana Bread is a fantastic way to sneak veggies into a favorite sweet treat. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Moist texture thanks to the zucchini and bananas
- Naturally sweet with no need for excessive sugar
- Packed with nutrients from both zucchini and bananas
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Versatile and great for any time of day
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1/2 cup sugar (or substitute with a natural sweetener)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together mashed bananas, grated zucchini, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Zucchini Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Best Zucchini Banana Bread is a moist, sweet, and healthy bread featuring ripe bananas and fresh zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix mashed bananas, zucchini, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients until combined.
5. Add nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
6. Pour batter into pan and smooth top.
7. Bake 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness.
Squeeze zucchini moisture to avoid sogginess.
Customize with nuts, chocolate, or spices.
Store in airtight container for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
How to serve Zucchini Banana Bread
Zucchini Banana Bread is wonderfully versatile and serves well in many ways:
- Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature
- Spread with butter, cream cheese, or nut butter for extra richness
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack
- Toast slices lightly for a warm, crunchy texture
- Pack as a portable breakfast or snack for school or work
The mild flavor of zucchini combined with the sweet banana makes it an excellent companion for both sweet and savory toppings. It’s hearty enough to enjoy plain or jazzed up with your favorite spreads.
How to store Zucchini Banana Bread
Proper storage keeps your zucchini banana bread fresh and moist:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- For longer storage, keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a resealable plastic bag in the fridge for up to 1 week
- To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or freezer bag; freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw frozen bread at room temperature before serving
- To refresh stale bread, warm slices in a toaster or oven to revive moisture and flavor
Tips to make Zucchini Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini to avoid soggy bread
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist
- Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
- Bake in the center of your oven for even cooking
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs
Variations of Zucchini Banana Bread
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for warm flavors
- Mix in 1/2 cup shredded coconut or dried fruit for texture and sweetness
- Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste
- Swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different crunch
- Use applesauce or Greek yogurt to replace some oil for a healthier version
Discover great ideas like the Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread and Sourdough Discard Banana Bread to explore more banana bread variations.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Fresh zucchini is preferred, but if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding.
How long does zucchini banana bread stay fresh?
It stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding up to 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts or chocolate chips gives a delightful texture.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini Banana Bread is a wholesome, tasty treat that combines the sweetness of bananas with the nutritious touch of zucchini. It’s easy to make, versatile to serve, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a crowd-pleasing breakfast, this recipe offers a delicious solution. Don’t miss our easy 3 Ingredient Banana Muffins for more banana-inspired treats.
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