🍋 Moist Lemon Zucchini Bread: A Summer Delight with a Zesty Twist

Every summer, my grandmother’s garden would overflow with zucchini. She’d tuck them into every dish, but nothing beat the way her kitchen smelled when she baked her famous lemon zucchini bread. It was the scent of citrus zest and warm sugar, a fragrance that turned an ordinary day into a celebration. Today, I’m sharing my take on her classic—moist, tender, and packed with bright lemon flavor. This loaf is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy, and it’s sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen too.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Zucchini Bread

• Perfectly moist thanks to freshly grated zucchini
• Lemony and light—a refreshing twist for summer
• Freezer-friendly for enjoying later
• Easy to make with simple pantry staples

Whether you enjoy a slice with tea or as a quick breakfast, this bread is sure to brighten your day.

🍞 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll gather for this delicious lemon zucchini bread:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (adds moisture)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (do not squeeze out moisture)

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 50–55 minutes

🍽️ Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

🍰 Yield: 8–10 slices

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Lemon zest

Set this bowl aside.

3. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Oil
• Yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

4. Add the Zucchini

Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture. There’s no need to squeeze the zucchini; its moisture is key for the bread’s texture.

5. Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

6. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

7. Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Optional Lemon Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

Drizzle over the cooled loaf for extra zing!

🧊 Storage and Freezing Tips

• Counter: Store wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Lasts up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

🍽️ Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your loaf? Try these:

• Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Bread: Fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Version: Add 1 tbsp of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients.
• Coconut Lemon Bread: Replace yogurt with coconut yogurt and add shredded coconut.

🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 220
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g

💡 Pro Tips for Baking Success

• Use freshly grated zucchini (don’t peel it!).
• Zest the lemon before juicing it.
• Let the bread cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny mess.

🌞 Best Time to Serve Lemon Zucchini Bread

This bread is perfect for:

• Summer brunches
• Potluck picnics
• Light afternoon snacks
• Freezer prep before busy weeks

Pair it with iced herbal tea, fresh fruit salad, or simply enjoy it on its own.

📌 Reader Favorite Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can use ¾ cup sugar or substitute part with honey, but the texture may slightly change.

What’s the best way to grate zucchini?

Use the large holes of a box grater for the best texture.

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