Whole Grain Zucchini Bread
This Whole Grain Zucchini Bread combines grated zucchini and mashed banana to create a moist texture balanced with the nuttiness from whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, and chopped walnuts. The warm cinnamon and baking soda provide a tender crumb with a mild rise. It's ideal for those who want a hearty loaf incorporating whole grains and vegetables, suitable for breakfast or a snack. The optional toppings add a crunchy texture and allow some customization.
Ingredients
- 1 banana large, extra-ripe
- 1 ½ cups zucchini from one (7 oz) 7-8 inch squash, coarsely grated
- ¾ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup Flaxseed ground
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon plus extra to taste
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 Flaxseed or 1 large egg, used as egg substitute
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 TBSP applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract pure
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
- ¼ cup walnuts finely chopped, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spritz a nonstick 9x5 inch loaf pan with oil or rub with butter, set aside.
- Mash banana in a large bowl. Grate zucchini, pat dry if extra watery, then add to the banana bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, flax, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
- In a separate bowl, gently stir together your egg, milk, applesauce, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Add the zucchini-banana mixture and fold together until just mixed.
- Pour zucchini mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a fork until just combined.
- Gently fold in walnuts and pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth the top with your spatula and add chopped walnuts to the top of the loaf if you're feeling fancy. Feeling EXTRA fancy? Chocolate chips on top. Do it.
- Bake on center rack for 30 minutes, rotate pan, then bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean from the center of the loaf. Bake times may vary a smidge based on oven conditions so my rule of thumb is to always check baked goods a few minutes early and re-test as needed.
- Allow bread to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then gently remove and place onto a wire cooling rack to continue cooling. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, it's great both ways! Store tightly wrapped on the counter for up to 4 days.
- Slather each slice in cinnamon-sugar sprinkled spreadable butter and dive. on. in.
Notes
- Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for softer crust edges if preferred.
- Substituting regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour will still yield good results.
- Ensure grated zucchini is patted dry if very watery to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Adjust baking time slightly if your oven cooks hotter or cooler.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 283
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 283kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 386mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 391mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 79IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 105mg | 11% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.