Does zucchini bread have health benefits?

Yes, it certainly can! Zucchini is packed with good things like vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Eating fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied. While this recipe does use sugar and butter, the zucchini itself adds a great nutritional boost. By adding vegetables, even into a sweet treat, you're including valuable nutrients. This makes our zucchini lemon bread healthy a better choice than many other quick breads, especially when you enjoy it in sensible portions. For another take on this classic, you can explore other recipes like this one on Allrecipes .

What is the secret ingredient in zucchini bread?

The "secret" ingredient in the best zucchini bread, especially our zucchini lemon bread healthy , isn't really hidden at all – it's the zucchini itself! It adds amazing moisture without making the bread taste like vegetables. It keeps the bread crumb tender and rich. Another little trick for this specific recipe is rubbing the lemon zest into the sugar. This simple step truly brings out a bright, vibrant lemon flavor, making every bite of this healthy zucchini lemon bread absolutely delicious.

How many calories are in zucchini bread?

The number of calories in zucchini bread can change a lot. It depends on the exact recipe, how big your slice is, and if you add extra things like nuts, chocolate chips, or more glaze. Generally, one slice of regular zucchini bread might have anywhere from 200 to 350 calories or even more. For this particular zucchini lemon bread healthy recipe, if you cut it into 12 good-sized slices, each slice would likely be in the range of 250-300 calories. Please remember this is an estimate. If you need exact nutritional details, I suggest using a trusted online recipe calculator with all the ingredients and amounts.

Is zucchini bread kidney friendly?

Whether zucchini bread is kidney-friendly depends on a person's specific diet needs for kidney health. These diets often focus on watching potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Zucchini itself is usually low in potassium, which is a good thing for many kidney diets. However, ingredients like flour, eggs, and baking powder/soda contain phosphorus and sodium. If someone is on a strict kidney-friendly diet, it's always best to talk with a registered dietitian or doctor. They can look at the exact recipe and tell you if this zucchini lemon bread healthy fits their needs. They might even suggest changes, like using a low-sodium baking powder or adjusting portion sizes. For more great lemon zucchini bread ideas, check out this Lemon Zucchini Bread recipe from Lemon Blossoms .

Zucchini Lemon Bread Healthy: Easy, Flavorful 1 Loaf

Description

A delightfully moist and flavorful quick bread, this healthy zucchini lemon bread blends fresh zucchini with bright lemon zest for a perfect anytime treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup neutral oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded zucchini, packed
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, lightly butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, letting it hang over the long sides, to make removing the bread super easy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bright lemon zest with the granulated sugar. Use your fingers to gently rub the lemon zest into the sugar until it smells really fragrant.

3. Add the melted unsalted butter, neutral oil, two large eggs, and vanilla extract to your fragrant lemon sugar mixture. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.

4. Next, stir the baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt into your wet ingredients. Also, add the tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice now; it helps activate the baking soda.

5. Now it’s time for the all-purpose flour and our star vegetable: the shredded zucchini! Using a spatula, gently fold the flour and shredded zucchini into the wet mixture. Mix until they are just combined.

6. Pour your perfectly prepared batter into the buttered (or parchment-lined) loaf pan. Spread it out evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your zucchini lemon bread healthy is ready!

7. Once baked, let the bread cool in its pan for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan, then gently flip the loaf onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely to room temperature, which could take an hour or even longer.

8. While your zucchini lemon bread healthy is cooling, get started on the simple yet incredibly tasty lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh squeezed lemon juice until you have a smooth, pourable icing.

9. Once your bread is totally cool, use a fork or a small spoon to drizzle that lovely lemon glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze dry for about 15 minutes.

10. Now, slice your glorious zucchini lemon bread healthy into pieces and serve!

Notes

Storage: The bread lasts 3 to 4 days at room temperature wrapped in aluminum foil or refrigerated for up to 10 days (bring to room temperature before enjoying). Un-iced bread can be frozen for up to 3 months (slice, wrap in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag/container).

Tips: Do not squeeze moisture from grated zucchini. Use room temperature eggs. Rub lemon zest into sugar to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter.

Variations: For a healthier twist, swap up to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. Substitute plain Greek yogurt for half of the oil or butter. Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Fold in 1/2 cup blueberries or raspberries. Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Stir in 2 tbsp poppy seeds. For an extra rich topping, use a cream cheese glaze (4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract).

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American