Ina Garten Zucchini Bread Recipe

Zucchini bread is an all-time classic, and Ina Garten’s recipe takes it to a new level.

This mouth-watering recipe is the perfect choice if you are looking for a delicious way to use your fresh garden zucchini.

With its tender, lightly sweet crumb and hints of warm spices, Ina Garten’s zucchini bread is not only a comforting treat but also showcases zucchini’s versatile nature.

How to Make Ina Garten Zucchini Bread

Ingredients List

Here’s what you will need for Ina Garten’s zucchini bread recipe:

• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-step process

Follow these steps to create the perfect loaf of Barefoot Contessa’s zucchini bread:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare two 8-inch loaf pans by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Whisk them together until well combined.

Step 3:

Grab a large mixing bowl for the wet mixture.

Beat the eggs and then mix in the shredded zucchini, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 4:

Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.

Gently stir until the bread batter mixture is smooth and uniform.

If you prefer, you can also add chopped walnuts for some crunch to this quick bread.

Step 5:

Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans.

If you have extra zucchini, you can use it to garnish the top of the loaves.

Bake the zucchini bread in the oven for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once done, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy Ina Garten’s delicious zucchini bread in both sweet and savory dishes.

It’s a versatile homemade bread recipe perfect for any occasion.

Side Dishes for Ina Garten Zucchini Bread

Ina Garten’s Zucchini Bread makes for a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed anytime, including as an afternoon snack.

Several side dishes pair nicely with this flavorful bread, enhancing its taste and adding variety to your meal.

Here are some excellent side dishes that you can try:

Fresh Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish to serve with your zucchini bread.

Combining various seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and kiwi adds color and texture to your plate.

The natural sweetness of the fruits complements the warm spices in the zucchini bread, creating a balanced and satisfying afternoon snack.

Yogurt with Honey and Granola

Another great option to pair with Ina Garten’s Zucchini Bread is yogurt topped with honey and granola.

This combination offers a creamy, protein-rich base, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness, and the granola provides texture.

It’s a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy zucchini bread, especially in the afternoon.

Sliced Avocado and Tomato

Consider serving sliced avocado and tomato with your zucchini bread for a savory and nutritious side dish.

The creamy avocado and juicy tomato complement the flavors of the bread and provide a dose of healthy fats and vitamins.

This combination is perfect for enjoying your zucchini bread with a more substantial and filling accompaniment.

Enjoy these tasty side dishes with your Ina Garten Zucchini Bread, and appreciate the variety of flavors and textures they bring to your afternoon snack.

Ingredients Substitutes

Wheat Flour

You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.

Whole wheat flour has more nutrients and fiber than regular flour.

Just bear in mind that the texture may be slightly denser with whole wheat flour.

Almond or  Lemon zest

If you run out of vanilla extract, feel free to use an equal amount of almond or even lemon zest for a slightly different but equally delightful flavor.

Baking soda and Baking powder

If you don’t have baking soda handy, you can substitute it with three times the baking powder.

Also, if you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute it by using half the amount of baking soda and adding an acidic ingredient like cream of tartar or lemon juice.

How to Store Ina Garten Zucchini Bread

Proper storage of Ina Garten zucchini bread is essential to keep it fresh, moist, and delicious.

Here are some steps you can follow to store it effectively:

Allow the bread to cool:

Before storing your freshly baked zucchini bread, allow it to cool down completely to prevent condensation from forming in the storage container, as this could make the bread soggy.

Wrap it properly:

Parchment paper can wrap your zucchini bread, which helps maintain the bread’s moist interior.

Alternatively, you can also use plastic wrap or aluminum foil for this purpose.

Store in an airtight container:

Place the wrapped zucchini bread in an airtight container to protect it from outside elements, such as air and moisture, which can cause it to go stale or moldy.

If you plan to store the bread for a short period:

Keep at room temperature:

When storing Ina Garten zucchini bread for up to three days, you can simply keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.

For longer storage:

Refrigerate:

You can store the zucchini bread in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring it stays in an airtight container or wrapped tightly.

Freeze:

Ina Garten zucchini bread can be frozen for up to three months if wrapped or stored in an airtight container.

To serve, let the bread thaw at room temperature.

It’s also good to slice the zucchini bread before freezing, making it easy to thaw and serve individual portions as needed.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Ina Garten zucchini bread while maintaining its freshness, taste, and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Ina Garten Zucchini Bread:

Choosing the Wrong Zucchini

Selecting a medium-sized zucchini is essential for this recipe.

Avoid using overripe zucchinis with soft spots, as they make the bread mushy.

Yellow squash is not a suitable substitute for zucchini.

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients in the Same Bowl

Combine the wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls before mixing them.

This will ensure a more even distribution of ingredients throughout the batter.

Rushing the Baking Process

Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Do not rush the baking process, or you may end up with undercooked bread.