Introduction
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Lemon Poppyseed Zucchini Bread, a treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This recipe combines the freshness of zucchini with the zestiness of lemon and poppy seeds, resulting in a moist and flavorful loaf that you’ll want to make again and again. Get ready to enjoy a unique blend of taste and texture!
Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
50-55 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5-10 minutes
Yield
1 loaf (9×5 inch)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and eggs until smooth. Gradually add the olive oil and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is well combined.
3. Incorporate Zucchini and Flavorings: Stir in the grated zucchini, lemon zest, and grated ginger into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Topping: Once the bread has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your Lemon Poppyseed Zucchini Bread as a delightful breakfast or snack!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and eggs until smooth. Gradually add the olive oil and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Zucchini and Flavorings
Stir in the grated zucchini, lemon zest, and grated ginger into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
Step 6: Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Optional Topping
Once the bread has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Note 1
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini with a clean kitchen towel to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
Note 2
Adjust the number of poppy seeds according to your preference for a stronger or milder taste.
Note 3
This bread is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert and pairs well with tea or coffee.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking is essential for combining wet ingredients, such as brown sugar and eggs, ensuring a smooth mixture that helps achieve the desired texture in your bread.
Grating
Grating zucchini and ginger allows for even distribution throughout the batter, enhancing the flavors and moisture of the bread while preventing large chunks.
Sifting
Sifting the dry ingredients removes lumps and incorporates air, leading to a lighter final product. It helps in achieving a tender crumb in baked goods.
Merging Ingredients
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid overmixing. This technique helps maintain the softness of the bread, resulting in a pleasant texture.
Baking
Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking. It’s crucial to monitor the bread and use a toothpick to check for doneness without overbaking.
Cooling
Letting the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures a better texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, but they may slightly alter the flavor of the bread.
How can I store leftover zucchini bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I substitute the brown sugar with a different sweetener?
You can use white sugar or coconut sugar, but the flavor and moisture level may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use lemon zest?
While lemon zest enhances the flavor, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute it with another citrus zest for a different twist.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in ingredients like walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to customize your zucchini bread.
Conclusion
Indulging in this Lemon Poppyseed Zucchini Bread not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also incorporates healthy ingredients like zucchini and olive oil. The combination of flavors from lemon, ginger, and poppy seeds makes it a unique treat that pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Its moist texture and delightful taste ensure it will be a favorite in your repertoire of baked goods.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Zucchini Cinnamon Bread
Substitute lemon zest and poppy seeds with cinnamon and walnuts for a warm and comforting version of zucchini bread.
Poppy Seed Muffins
Make muffins instead of a loaf by dividing the batter into a muffin tin and baking for a shorter time for delightful bite-sized treats.
Lemon Ginger Scones
Transform the flavors into scones by adding chunks of crystallized ginger and serving with lemon glaze for a refreshing breakfast option.
Zucchini Pancakes
Use the same zucchini and ginger flavor combination in pancake batter for a unique brunch idea; serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Zesty Zucchini Fritters
Create a savory twist by mixing grated zucchini with spices and frying them into crispy fritters for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Replace the zucchini with citrus juice in a simple olive oil cake recipe that emphasizes the tangy freshness of the lemon.
Herb-Infused Olive Oil Bread
For a savory option, infuse olive oil with herbs like rosemary or basil and use it in a rustic loaf to accompany meals.
