The Ultimate Morning Glory Zucchini Bread: A Perfectly Moist & Delicious Recipe
There are zucchini bread recipes, and then there’s *this* zucchini bread recipe. I genuinely believe this is the best zucchini bread I have ever tasted, and I’ve certainly enjoyed my fair share over the years. Its delightful moistness and comforting flavor make it an absolute stand-out. I stumbled upon this culinary gem on Kristen’s wonderful blog, Dine & Dish, a while ago. She was hosting a giveaway for an incredible cookbook that I was longing to own, and as part of the promotion, she challenged her readers to try this specific zucchini bread recipe. Who am I to decline a delicious challenge, especially when it promises such a rewarding outcome?
The Secret Source and a Surprisingly Juicy Challenge
The cookbook I’m referring to, which inspired this magnificent recipe, is none other than the Morning Glory Farm Cookbook. It’s truly a treasure trove of recipes, and this zucchini bread is a prime example of its brilliance. My main “challenge” with this recipe wasn’t actually related to the baking process itself, but rather to the star ingredient: the zucchini. I had a rather sizable zucchini on hand, and it turned out to be exceptionally full of moisture. After I diligently shredded the fresh produce, I was quite surprised by the sheer volume of liquid it contained. I literally had to squeeze out the excess moisture, yielding what I could only describe as… zucchini juice!
Don’t Waste That Zucchini Juice: A Pro Tip!
Who would have thought! This unexpected bounty of zucchini juice opened up a new world of possibilities. I carefully strained the juice into a cup and was genuinely amazed at how much I had collected. Instead of discarding it, I decided to be resourceful. I poured the vibrant green liquid into a freezer-safe baggie and tucked it away in the freezer. This “glorious green stuff,” as I affectionately call it, is being saved for a future stew or soup where it can add a subtle layer of flavor and nutrients. It’s a fantastic way to minimize waste and add a healthy boost to other dishes. You can also use it in smoothies for an undetectable veggie boost!
Embracing Zucchini Season: The Perfect Time for Quick Breads
As we all know, we’re currently right in the heart of zucchini harvest season. This time of year often means an abundance of zucchini, whether from your own garden or from generous neighbors leaving surprise bundles on your doorstep. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, embrace these versatile squash! They are perfect for shredding and incorporating into incredibly moist and flavorful quick breads. This Morning Glory Zucchini Bread recipe transforms those garden surpluses into a delectable, cake-like treat that everyone will adore. It’s the ultimate solution for utilizing those extra zucchinis and enjoying a homemade delight. The natural moisture of the zucchini makes this bread exceptionally tender and prevents it from drying out, even days after baking.
Why This Morning Glory Zucchini Bread Stands Out
What sets this particular zucchini bread apart from others? It’s a combination of simple ingredients and a perfect balance that results in an unbelievably moist and tender crumb. Many zucchini bread recipes can turn out dry or crumbly, but this one consistently yields a bread that feels more like a decadent cake. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice that perfectly complements the subtle flavor of the zucchini. It’s not just a bread; it’s a comforting experience, perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. Its straightforward preparation also means that even novice bakers can achieve impressive results, making it a go-to recipe for busy individuals looking for a homemade treat.
A Simple Process for Stunning Results: Step-by-Step
Making this Morning Glory Zucchini Bread is a wonderfully straightforward process, designed for ease and enjoyment.
First, in a large mixing bowl, you’ll combine the shredded zucchini (remembering to lightly squeeze out any excessive moisture), the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture forms the rich base of your bread, ensuring maximum moisture. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
Next, gradually add the sugar to this mixture. Beat it in until the mixture is thoroughly creamed, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial for dissolving the sugar crystals and creating a smooth, tender texture in the final bread.
Once your wet ingredients and sugar are perfectly blended, it’s time to incorporate the dry components. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until the batter is just well blended and uniform in texture, making sure not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so stop as soon as the dry streaks disappear. The batter should be smooth, with the visible zucchini shreds adding texture. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a tiny bit of the reserved zucchini juice to reach the desired consistency.
Finally, divide the wonderfully fragrant batter evenly into your prepared loaf pans and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
The result? Absolutely fabulous. This zucchini bread will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends (or secretly enjoying all by yourself!).
Baking Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Bread
Achieving that perfectly moist and tender zucchini bread requires a few simple considerations.
- Moisture Control is Key: As highlighted earlier, properly preparing your zucchini is vital. While zucchini adds incredible moisture to bread, too much liquid can result in a gummy texture. After shredding, gently squeeze the zucchini with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to remove excess water. Aim for it to be damp, not bone dry, but definitely not dripping.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less tender bread.
- Check Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary significantly. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can help you ensure your oven is truly heating to the desired temperature of 325°F. This small step can make a big difference in baking consistency and preventing under or over-baked bread.
- Test for Doneness: The bread is ready when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when gently pressed. Baking for approximately one hour is usually sufficient, but always trust your visual cues and the toothpick test.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy on the bottom and allows it to set properly.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Morning Glory Zucchini Bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea. It’s a fantastic way to start the day.
- Snack Time: A perfect pick-me-up for an afternoon snack, especially when you need something satisfying and homemade.
- Dessert: Warm a slice and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert. A light cream cheese frosting would also be a delightful addition.
- Add-ins: While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to customize it! Consider adding a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch, or ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Raisins or dried cranberries can also be a nice addition, especially if you enjoy a fruitier profile.
Explore More Zucchini Delights
If you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini even after making a few loaves of this incredible Morning Glory Zucchini Bread, don’t stop there! Zucchini is a versatile ingredient that shines in both sweet and savory dishes. For another fantastic sweet option, I highly recommend trying my lemon zucchini bread with blueberries. It offers a bright, tangy flavor profile that’s wonderfully refreshing and equally delicious.
So, the next time those prolific zucchinis start appearing, you’ll be ready. Turn them into something truly special with this Morning Glory Zucchini Bread recipe. It’s a comforting, satisfying, and undeniably delicious way to celebrate the bounty of the harvest season. Happy baking!
Zucchini Bread
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 to 2 ½ cups shredded zucchini lightly squeezed of excess moisture
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray two 8 x 4 bread pans with nonstick spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.2 to 2 1/2 cups shredded zucchini, 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla
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Beat sugar into mix until it is thoroughly creamed.2 cups sugar
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Once liquids and sugar are well mixed, add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until batter is well blended and even in texture. The batter should be smooth, outside the zucchini shreds. If it’s not, add a little juice from the zucchini.3 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon
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Pour batter evenly into pans.
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Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until bread is brown and springs back when gently pressed in the middle.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- You’ll want to lightly squeeze any excess moisture out of your shredded zucchini using a paper towel. Some moisture is ideal, as you don’t want it completely dry. However, too much excess moisture can cause the batter to be soupy and the baked bread to be gummy.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.