I have so many zucchini from my garden right now it’s unbelievable. I’ve been making zucchini bread like it’s my job.
But I have a confession – I’ve been making the same recipe each time.
It’s almost a sin since I’m a foodie and all. I should be trying different recipes and seeing the differences and what makes what denser or fluffier or drier or sweeter. But this recipe… it’s the best.
I’m allowed to say that because it’s not mine. This recipe was given to my grandma by her friend Phyllis and my grandma passed it along to me. So let’s all thank sweet Phyllis for the best zucchini bread recipe ever!
You know how everyone should have a go-to recipe? This is it. It’s a basic recipe that’s been perfected as it is (especially with a little pat of butter), but it can be easily doctored up for even more flavors… browned butter? peanut butter? chocolate chip/walnut?
The secret ingredient? Orange zest. It adds this subtle flavor that you can’t place that isn’t citrus-y at all but it’s just amazing. You can go without it and it tastes just fine, but adding the orange zest just puts it wayyyy up there with the best baked goods like banana bread, blueberry muffins, and scones. I use orange zest from a spice jar, but I bet fresh would be even better!
This recipe makes two loaves so you can have one for yourself and give one to a friend. Or eat one fresh and freeze one. Or just eat them both because they will probably be gone that fast. I put a simple cinnamon sugar streusel on, but you really don’t even need it. Unless you like that bite on the top that’s extra good and crunchy.
Please let me know if you make this! Nothing makes me happier than someone telling me they tried out one of my recipes 🙂 you can comment or tweet me or instagram me at @theyoopergirl.
Enjoy!
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 3 cups zucchini, shredded
- 3 cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/8 cup butter, room temp
- 1/6 cup flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Preheat oven to 350F. In a mixer, blend the eggs, sugar, and oil. Slowly incorporate the vanilla, zucchini, flour, baking soda and powder, salt, cinnamon, and orange peel. Mix until evenly distributed and try not to overmix. If you are making the streusel, combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix with a fork.
- Pour batter into two floured pans. Top with the streusel. Bake at 350F for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving!
I just had a sandwich at the art fair where they used zucchini bread. Turkey, green apple slices, cranberries, and provolone on zucchini bread. Was an interesting sandwich but good. Give it a try!
That sounds so good! I never thought about using zucchini bread for a sandwich. Thanks for the idea! 🙂
My mouth is watering – omigosh this sounds so good <3
Liz @ Carpe Diem and Run recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #9
Thank you 🙂
Haha, it’s totally okay to use the same recipe over and over when this is the outcome!! I have a few recipes which I keep making as well 😉 Looks lovely Leigha!
Josefine {The Smoothie lover} recently posted…Healthy & Vegan Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
Thanks Josefine! And I suppose I have to keep making it just to be sure it’s safe to post, you know? 😉
I love zucchini bread! This sounds delish.
molly@this life is sparkling recently posted…A good day of eats.
Thanks girl 🙂
Yummy Leigha, I love zucchini bread! Love the idea of adding orange zest too, I am sure that makes it just perfect. Love that you have the crumbles on top too! Makes it even better 🙂
Tina muir recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Update #4
Thanks Tina! Crumbles make everything better 😀
Ahh how I wish I could have an oven to bake right now!! Citrus zest definitely makes so many baked goods 100x better. Genius to add it into zucchini bread!
alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…Behind the Scenes #31: First Week at Boston University
Awww, no oven for Alison 😛 thanks girly!
This is the first time I’m visiting your site, but there are so many wonderful recipes I see here and have to definitely save and pin! This zucchini bread is just perfect! To be honest the first thing I ever baked (when I was a child) was zucchini bread, that’s why it is one of my favorite desserts! Will try your recipe with orange zest and the streusel and I’m sure I’ll like it !
Hi Mira! Thanks for stopping by! I’m happy you found mine because now I found yours – love it!