Zucchini Bread with Lemon Sugar Topping

Zucchini bread with lemon sugar topping is a delightful twist on a classic recipe that brings together the comfort of home baking and the freshness of citrus. You might be surprised by how easy it is to whip up this moist and flavorful bread. Grated zucchini, which keeps the bread tender and adds a slight earthiness, pairs beautifully with the bright, zesty sugar topping, making every slice pop with flavor. Whether you’re looking to use up an overflowing garden harvest or simply craving a delicious snack, this recipe has got you covered.

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Let’s dive right in and discover why this zucchini bread is a must-try. With simple ingredients, a straightforward process, and a unique lemony finish, each bite transports you to sunny summer days. Plus, baking this bread is a fantastic way to infuse your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that will draw family and friends in for a taste. Get ready to impress everyone with your baking skills!

Why This Recipe Works

Zucchini bread benefits greatly from the moisture provided by the grated zucchini, resulting in a perfectly tender texture that’s hard to resist. This version elevates traditional zucchini bread with a flavorful lemon sugar topping, creating a delightful contrast between the rich bread and zesty sweetness. The combination works wonders; while the bread itself is subtly sweet, the topping adds just the right amount of brightness to balance it out. You’ll quickly discover that this recipe is more than just zucchini bread; it’s an experience in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Bread with Lemon Sugar Topping

If you’re looking for a comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, look no further. This zucchini bread combines simple ingredients with a bright lemon twist, making it an ideal addition to your summer baking repertoire. It’s perfect for breakfast with coffee or as an afternoon snack. Plus, your family will love the unexpected burst of flavor from the lemon sugar topping, which takes this classic recipe to the next level. Baking this bread gives you a chance to showcase your culinary talent while offering everyone a delicious treat.

Ingredients

To make this delightful zucchini bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 small zucchini, grated (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. The ingredients listed here create a beautiful balance of flavors, ultimately leading to a delightful loaf of zucchini bread.

Preparing Your Zucchini Bread with Lemon Sugar Topping

Preheat Your Oven

To start off, preheat your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, grease a light-colored loaf pan thoroughly. A light pan helps the bread bake evenly, so it doesn’t burn on the bottom. Greasing the pan well ensures that your zucchini bread releases easily once it’s baked, allowing you to enjoy those impressive slices.

Prepare the Zucchini

Next, use a medium grater to grate the zucchini. You’ll want to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent your bread from becoming too wet. Drying the zucchini on paper towels after grating helps with this step. Afterward, measure out 1 1/4 cups to use in your batter, ensuring the right amount for optimal texture.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar until well combined. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it becomes completely smooth. This step creates a lovely base for your zucchini bread, so make sure everything is evenly blended!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent, which is essential for a beautifully risen bread. This ensures that your zucchini bread turns out fluffy and tender.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, stirring briefly after each addition to ensure you achieve a smooth batter. Incorporating the dry and wet ingredients this way prevents clumping and keeps the texture consistent.

Fold in Zucchini

Next, gently fold in the prepared zucchini by hand using a spatula. This step is crucial for evenly incorporating the zucchini into the batter without overmixing, which helps keep the bread light and airy. Make sure you distribute the zucchini well throughout the batter for that wonderful texture.

Prepare the Lemon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the lemon zest until it’s well combined. This fragrant topping adds a lovely sweet and citrusy finish to your bread. The fresh lemon zest infuses the sugar with bright flavors, complementing the rich zucchini bread perfectly.

Bake the Zucchini Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the lemon sugar topping generously over the top. Now it’s time to bake! Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, and the aroma will surely fill your kitchen!

Cool the Bread

Once the zucchini bread is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool in the pan first helps set the shape, but transferring it to a rack lets air circulate around the bread.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this zucchini bread warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of butter for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon over the top before serving adds warmth and flavor. This zucchini bread is perfect as an afternoon snack or even as a delightful breakfast option with your favorite coffee or tea.

Tips for Success

• Be sure the zucchini is well-dried before mixing it into the batter. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the texture.
• Let your butter soften at room temperature. This makes for a smoother mix with the sugar.
• Don’t skip on the lemon zest! It really enhances the flavor and adds that needed zing.

Variations

Want to customize your zucchini bread? Consider the following variations:
– Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
– Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
– Experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, to deepen the flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy your zucchini bread with a refreshing lemon-infused iced tea. Alternatively, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. These combinations elevate your zucchini bread experience, making it even more enjoyable.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just be sure to thaw it first and drain it well to remove excess moisture.

2. How should I store the zucchini bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate it for up to a week, or for longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

4. Can I add spices to the recipe?
Of course! A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can add wonderful warmth to the flavor profile of your bread.

5. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to equal 1/2 cup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly.

This delightful Zucchini Bread with Lemon Sugar Topping not only brings a sweet, zesty flavor to your kitchen but also captures the essence of summer baking. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a snack throughout the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for family and friends alike. Grab your ingredients and bake this irresistible treat today!

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