Imagine slicing into a moist, fragrant loaf of Lemon Zucchini Bread that bursts with fresh citrus flavor and hidden veggies. This irresistible recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a delightful choice for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Lemon Zucchini Bread is sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Lemon Zucchini Bread
To create this delectable Lemon Zucchini Bread, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a moist and flavorful loaf. Let’s gather everything we need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Grated zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup zucchini, shredded
For the glaze, you’ll need:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
The combination of fresh lemon zest, tart lemon juice, and shredded zucchini creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. And the buttermilk and oil ensure a moist and tender crumb in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Zucchini Bread
Now that we have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for baking this delightful Lemon Zucchini Bread:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Stir in the oil, buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the shredded zucchini.
- Bake: 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. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Lemon Zucchini Bread. Let the glaze set before slicing and enjoying this delightful treat.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Zucchini Bread
To ensure your Lemon Zucchini Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Select a medium-sized zucchini and grate it using a box grater or the shredding disc of a food processor. Avoid using overly large or watery zucchini, as they can make the bread too moist.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet Lemon Zucchini Bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup.
- Shredding Techniques: For a finer texture, use a box grater to shred the zucchini. For a more coarse texture, consider using a food processor with a shredding disc.
- Storage and Freshness: Store the cooled Lemon Zucchini Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead option.
Variations of Lemon Zucchini Bread
While the classic Lemon Zucchini Bread is already a delightful treat, you can also explore various variations to suit your taste preferences:
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added nutritional value.
- Citrus Medley: Incorporate the zest and juice of other citrus fruits, such as oranges or limes, to create a vibrant, multi-layered flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs, the buttermilk with non-dairy milk, and the oil with applesauce or mashed banana for a plant-based Lemon Zucchini Bread.
Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini
Beyond its delicious flavor, Lemon Zucchini Bread also offers some impressive nutritional benefits thanks to the humble zucchini. Zucchini is low in calories and high in hydration, making it a great addition to baked goods. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. Incorporating zucchini into your baking can be a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrients and make your treats a little more wholesome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes zucchini bread so good?
Zucchini bread is so delicious because the shredded zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the batter, while the lemon components provide a bright, citrusy contrast. The combination of moist, tender crumb and tangy lemon flavors creates an irresistible texture and taste.
How long can zucchini bread sit out?
Freshly baked Lemon Zucchini Bread can be left at room temperature for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate the bread to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
How can you tell if zucchini bread is undercooked?
The best way to determine if your Lemon Zucchini Bread is undercooked is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter or crumbs clinging to it, the bread needs more baking time. The bread is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
How do you keep zucchini bread from getting bitter?
To prevent your Lemon Zucchini Bread from developing a bitter taste, be sure to use a fresh, young zucchini. Avoid using oversized or older zucchini, as they can become more bitter. Additionally, be mindful not to over-bake the bread, as that can also contribute to a bitter flavor.
Conclusion
Baking a moist, flavorful Lemon Zucchini Bread is a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of summer. With its citrusy aroma, hidden veggie goodness, and irresistible texture, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this Lemon Zucchini Bread is a true delight for the senses. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate citrus-infused treat!
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this Lemon Zucchini Bread recipe. Feel free to share your own variations and tips in the comments below. Happy baking!
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Zucchini Boats with Spinach and Ricotta
- 3-Ingredient Banana Bread
- Peach Bread Pudding
- Peach Pecan Bread
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
Print
Bake a Delightful Lemon Zucchini Bread for a Fresh Treat!
- Total Time: 80
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- Imagine slicing into a moist, fragrant loaf of Lemon Zucchini Bread that bursts with fresh citrus flavor and hidden veggies. This irresistible recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a delightful choice for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fine salt
2 large eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
Grated zest from 1 lemon
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Stir in the oil, buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Combine: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the shredded zucchini.
5. Bake: 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. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
7. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Lemon Zucchini Bread. Let the glaze set before slicing and enjoying this delightful treat.
Notes
Choose the Right Zucchini: Select a medium-sized zucchini and grate it using a box grater or the shredding disc of a food processor. Avoid using overly large or watery zucchini, as they can make the bread too moist.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet Lemon Zucchini Bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup.
Shredding Techniques: For a finer texture, use a box grater to shred the zucchini. For a more coarse texture, consider using a food processor with a shredding disc.
Storage and Freshness: Store the cooled Lemon Zucchini Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 50