Lemon Zucchini Bread

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

This recipe combines shredded zucchini with lemon for a moist, zesty quick bread, finished with a lemon glaze. Perfect for using summer zucchini.
Ranah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:57:28 GMT
A sliced lemon zucchini bread topped with a shiny glaze and lemon slices. Pin it
A sliced lemon zucchini bread topped with a shiny glaze and lemon slices. | lifesugar.co

You won't believe how this recipe came about! I had a garden full of zucchini and a craving for something different than my usual zucchini bread. After playing around in the kitchen one afternoon, this Lemon Zucchini Bread was born and it's become my family's absolute favorite! The bright lemony flavor with that perfectly moist texture is just incredible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn't your ordinary zucchini bread! The lemon adds such a wonderful fresh twist that even my veggie-skeptic husband can't resist. I love serving it at brunch or wrapping up a few slices for the kids' lunchboxes. It's that perfect balance of treat and wholesome goodness.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Regular all-purpose flour from your pantry.
  • Baking powder and soda for that perfect rise.
  • Just a pinch of salt to make the flavors pop.
  • Sugar to balance the lemon's tang.
  • Fresh eggs make such a difference.
  • Your favorite vegetable oil.
  • Real lemons please no bottled juice!
  • Fresh zucchini from the garden or store.
  • A dollop of yogurt or sour cream makes it extra moist.

Let's Bake Together

First Things First
Get your oven warming up to 350°F and prep your pan I always line mine with parchment for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Team
Whisk those dry ingredients together they're the foundation of our bread.
Wet Ingredients Next
Beat your sugar eggs and oil until they're friends then add that gorgeous lemon zest and juice.
Bring It All Together
Gently mix in the dry ingredients and fold in our star zucchini.
Into The Oven
Pour it in your pan and let it bake until golden and perfect!

The Magic Combo

You know what makes this bread extra special? The lemon and zucchini work together like magic! The zucchini keeps everything super moist while the lemon adds this burst of sunshine in every bite. Plus you're sneaking in some veggies how great is that?

A close-up of a lemon-flavored cake with a glossy glaze, garnished with lemon slices, alongside fresh lemons. Pin it
A close-up of a lemon-flavored cake with a glossy glaze, garnished with lemon slices, alongside fresh lemons. | lifesugar.co

My Best Tips

Listen up because these tips are game-changers! Always squeeze out that extra water from your zucchini I wrap mine in a clean kitchen towel and give it a good squeeze. And please use fresh lemons the flavor difference is incredible!

Keeping It Fresh

If your family doesn't devour it all in one sitting (mine usually does!) wrap it up tight and it'll stay perfect for a few days. Sometimes I slice and freeze portions for busy mornings just pop them in the toaster!

Perfect Pairings

Oh my goodness this bread with a cup of morning tea is pure heaven! For dessert try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My kids love it toasted with a little butter melting into all those tiny crumbs.

Good For You Too

I love knowing each slice packs some good nutrition! Between the zucchini vitamins and lemon's antioxidants it's a treat you can feel good about. My daughter calls it her 'secret veggie cake'!

Common Oops Moments

Trust me I've learned these lessons the hard way! Don't overmix your batter it'll make your bread tough. And always check with a toothpick every oven is different mine takes exactly 47 minutes but yours might vary.

Share The Love

This bread has become my go-to for everything from bake sales to welcome gifts for new neighbors. It's always met with big smiles and recipe requests!

A sliced lemon loaf cake topped with glaze and lemon slices, with whole lemons in the background. Pin it
A sliced lemon loaf cake topped with glaze and lemon slices, with whole lemons in the background. | lifesugar.co

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in coconut oil for a tropical twist or add some blueberries when they're in season. My sister makes hers gluten-free and it turns out beautifully!

That Amazing Glaze

The lemon glaze is like jewelry for this bread! I sift my powdered sugar for the smoothest drizzle and sometimes add extra zest because why not? It's the perfect finishing touch!

Confidence Builder

Don't be intimidated by this recipe! If you can grate a zucchini and squeeze a lemon you can make this bread. It's one of those foolproof recipes that always turns out great.

Perfect Partners

Want to make it extra special? Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese. Sometimes I serve it alongside fresh berries for brunch it's always a hit!

Summer Star

This bread saves me every summer when my garden is bursting with zucchini! My neighbors have stopped hiding from me and my excess zucchini because they know this bread is coming!

A sliced lemon loaf cake with a glistening glaze and lemon slices on top, accompanied by whole lemons in the background. Pin it
A sliced lemon loaf cake with a glistening glaze and lemon slices on top, accompanied by whole lemons in the background. | lifesugar.co

Kid-Approved

My pickiest eater has no idea there's zucchini in here! The lemony sweetness wins them over every time. It's become our favorite afternoon snack during homework time.

Glaze Like a Pro

Here's my secret for the perfect glaze consistency squeeze in the lemon juice little by little until it's just right. You want it thick enough to stay put but thin enough to drizzle beautifully.

Your New Favorite

This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe box and I bet it will in yours too! It's one of those versatile treats that work for any occasion.

Pure Joy

There's something so special about pulling this golden loaf from the oven the lemony aroma filling the kitchen. It's more than just bread it's a little bit of sunshine baked with love!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why squeeze out zucchini moisture?
Removing excess moisture prevents the bread from becoming soggy and helps achieve the right texture when baked.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
→ Why use room temperature ingredients?
Room temperature eggs and yogurt create a smoother batter that blends more evenly and results in better texture.
→ Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, the bread freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing.
→ How do I know when it's done?
Insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean. The bread should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

Conclusion

This lemon zucchini bread is a delightful summer recipe that transforms fresh zucchini into a moist, zesty quick bread. With its bright lemon flavor and tender texture, it's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe

A moist and flavorful quick bread combining fresh zucchini with bright lemon, topped with a lemony glaze. Great way to use summer zucchini.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 teaspoon baking powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 1 cup granulated sugar.
06 2 large eggs.
07 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
08 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
09 1 lemon, zested.
10 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry.
11 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream.
12 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze).
13 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease loaf pan.

Step 02

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

Beat sugar, eggs, and oil until creamy. Add lemon juice, zest, and yogurt.

Step 04

Add dry ingredients to wet mixture gradually. Fold in zucchini.

Step 05

Pour into pan and bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Step 06

Cool bread, then top with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Notes

  1. Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini.
  2. Use room temperature ingredients.
  3. Can be made gluten or dairy free.

Tools You'll Need

  • Loaf pan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Grater.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (yogurt/sour cream).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 4 g