How to Make Chef John's Zucchini Bread - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked zucchini bread wafting through the kitchen. This classic, moist and tender bread is a beloved favorite among many, and for good reason. With its gentle sweetness and subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, zucchini bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Chef John's Zucchini Bread recipe is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser that you'll find yourself turning to time and time again.

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 4 cups grated zucchini
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 2 loaves

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously butter two loaf pans.
  • Mix kosher salt into zucchini and let sit for 10 minutes. Transfer to a strainer and rinse very thoroughly under cold water to remove salt. Let drain for 15 to 20 minutes before using.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and nutmeg together in a mixing bowl. Reserve until needed.
  • Combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla in another large mixing bowl, and whisk until mixture is smooth and turns a pale yellow, about 1 minute. Grab a handful of the drained zucchini with both hands and squeeze out any excess water before transferring into the egg-sugar mixture. Repeat until all the zucchini has been transferred in.
  • Pour in melted butter and stir until combined. Stir walnuts into the batter, followed by the flour mixture. Use a spatula to mix until the flour disappears.
  • Transfer into the prepared loaf pans. Tap pans on the countertop to settle the batter.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until golden brown on top and a skewer poked in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, and then turn out on to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.
  • Nutrition

    298 cal.

    • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 46mg
    • Sodium: 483mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 39g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 20g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 5mg
    • Calcium: 40mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 152mg