Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, fragrant zucchini bread that's so moist and delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just any ordinary bread - this is a magical bread machine creation that transforms humble zucchini into a spectacular treat that will have your family begging for more. Whether you're looking to sneak some vegetables into your diet or simply craving a delightful homemade bread, this recipe is your golden ticket to baking perfection.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Grate fresh zucchini using a box grater, ensuring to pat dry excess moisture with paper towels to prevent soggy bread.
- Warm water to exactly 110°F using a kitchen thermometer, which activates the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Add warm water, vegetable oil, and sugar to bread machine pan, stirring briefly to combine ingredients.
- Sprinkle active dry yeast over liquid mixture, allowing it to sit and activate for 3-5 minutes until foamy.
- Add grated zucchini, salt, and cinnamon to the bread machine pan.
- Carefully measure and add bread flour, ensuring level measurements for accurate texture.
- If using, fold in chopped walnuts just before starting the bread machine cycle.
- Select "sweet bread" or "quick bread" setting on your bread machine, typically using a medium crust setting.
- Close bread machine lid and start the cycle, allowing approximately
- 5 hours for complete baking and cooling.
- Once completed, carefully remove bread from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips
- Moisture Management: Always squeeze out excess water from grated zucchini to prevent a soggy loaf. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat the zucchini dry.
- Yeast Activation: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your water is precisely 110°F - too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won't activate it properly.
- Flour Power: Level your flour measurements for consistent texture. Use the spoon-and-sweep method to avoid dense bread.
- Optional Crunch: Toasting walnuts before adding them can enhance their flavor and provide an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation and maintain the perfect texture.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
