This Pumpkin Zucchini Bread combines earthy pumpkin puree with fresh grated zucchini for a soft, moist, and lightly spiced loaf that captures the cozy essence of fall baking. It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that sneaks in vegetables without losing the sweet, comforting flavor we all crave in autumn, and it's easy enough for first-time bakers.
Mixing bowls Two large bowls for wet and dry ingredients
Loaf pan 9x5 inch
Box grater Coarse side for grating zucchini
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper For lining the loaf pan
Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel For squeezing zucchini dry
Wire cooling rack
Toothpick For testing doneness
Ingredients
1cupgrated zucchiniabout 1 medium zucchini, lightly packed; squeeze dry before using
1cuppumpkin puree240g; canned or homemade, well drained
2cupsall-purpose flour250g
1teaspoonbaking soda5g; use fresh for best rise
½teaspoonbaking powder2g; use fresh for best rise
½teaspoonsea salt3g
1teaspoonground cinnamon3g
½teaspoonground nutmeg1g
½cupvegetable oil120ml; can substitute melted coconut oil
1cupgranulated sugar200g; can reduce to ¾ cup for a less sweet loaf
2organic eggslarge
Instructions
Place an oven rack in the center position and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides for handles.
Wash and trim zucchini, then grate on the coarse side of a box grater until you have 1 cup lightly packed. Place in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze gently over the sink until damp, not wet.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg for about 30 seconds until evenly distributed with no clumps.
In a second large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add pumpkin puree and squeezed zucchini, stirring until fully combined and creamy.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients gradually, about one third at a time, stirring gently with a spatula after each addition. Mix only until flour disappears; batter should be thick but smooth with no visible flour streaks.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake on center rack for 60 to 70 minutes, checking at 60 minutes. Bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove bread from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Lift loaf out using parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing with a serrated knife.
Notes
Squeeze the zucchini well to remove excess water and prevent a soggy loaf.
Use fresh baking soda and baking powder for the best rise.
Do not overmix the batter, so the bread stays light and tender.
Check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid under or overbaking.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean, even cuts.
For a chocolate version, add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra warmth.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.