There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share my Moist Zucchini Banana Bread Recipe with you! This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies! If you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat that’s both delicious and healthy, you’ve come to the right place. And if you’re also on the hunt for easy pasta recipes for quick family dinners, I’ve got you covered there too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the combination of zucchini and bananas.
- Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat!
- Great for meal prep—make a loaf ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious zucchini banana bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium)
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or 1/2 cup vegetable oil)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own moist zucchini banana bread:
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This will help the bread come out easily after baking!
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). This step ensures all your leavening agents are evenly distributed for the best rise!
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this helps to aerate the batter and adds to the moistness of your bread.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and flavor!
- Add the Bananas and Zucchini: Mix in the mashed bananas and grated zucchini until everything is well combined. You’ll love how this makes the batter look and smell!
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Gently fold it together until just combined; be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay, which helps keep your bread fluffy.
- Optional: Fold in Nuts: If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them into the batter now for a delightful crunch.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
- Bake! Bake your zucchini banana bread for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
- Cool Down: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your zucchini banana bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the grating of the zucchini; it adds moisture without making the bread soggy.
- Feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of ginger or allspice can add a lovely twist.
- If you want to make this a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- For a fun variation, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit!
How to Serve
This zucchini banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Spread a little butter or cream cheese on a warm slice for extra richness.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve it alongside fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- For a fun twist, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
This zucchini banana bread is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread. Just slice it first, then wrap each slice individually before placing them in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months!
- To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy a slice of moist zucchini banana bread any time you like! And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out my Beef Cheesy Rollups or Ground Beef Stroganoff for quick weeknight dinner ideas. Happy baking!
Moist Zucchini Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Cream butter and sugars, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in mashed bananas and grated zucchini. Fold in nuts if using.
- Pour batter into pan, bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.