We are growing zucchini again this year. Last year was our first year and all of them grew albino. For what ever reason that didn’t inspire me to cook with them. Additionally, they always grew faster than I even had a chance to pick them. So by the time I found them they would be gigantic and seedy. Which also was a large part of why I didn’t use them. This year I vowed to cook with them no matter what! We have already picked 4-5 perfect sized ones and only 1 or 2 have been the white/light green and the rest have been the rich dark green that I’m used to. I figured the first place I wanted to start was zucchini bread. So I went to the internet in search of a HEALTHY recipe. The first recipe I found called for 2 cups of all-purpose flour AND 1 1/4 white refined sugar. As soon as I saw those in the ingredient list I moved right along. The second recipe I found titled “Healthy Zucchini Bread” called for TWO CUPS OF SUGAR and 1/4 of brown sugar and 1 1/2 cups of white flour and EXTRA sugar for sprinkling. Really? Really? With an ingredient list like that you think the recipe is “healthy”? The next recipe I came across was this one. It was exactly what I wanted! No refined flours or sugars (well, I adapted the sugar part)! I was certain it probably would taste healthy, but it turned out to be the most moist and delicious guilt free bread I’ve made. I hope you enjoy!
Healthy Zucchini Bread
When you have an abundance of zucchini to use up, this Healthy Zucchini Bread is the way to go!
Ingredients
- 3 c. of shredded zucchini
- 1 c. of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 c. of coconut oil softened or melted
- 3 eggs
- 3 tsp. of vanilla extract
- 1/2 c. coconut palm sugar*
- 1/4 c. pure organic maple syrup
- 1 1/2 c. of whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 c. oat flour
- 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 c. chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray your loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
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In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment blend zucchini, applesauce, oil, eggs, vanilla, coconut palm sugar, and maple syrup.
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In a separate bowl whisk together remaining dry ingredients, except nuts. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low until well blended. Last, stir in chopped nuts.
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Pour 3/4 of batter in large loaf pan and divide remaining batter between two mini loaf pans.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on rack 5 minutes before removing from pan.
Recipe Notes
[My 2 Cents]
*A while ago I discovered at my local health food store a replacement for brown sugar. In an effort to remove all refined sugars from our pantry I thought – why not! I LOVE it! Here is the specific brand I used, you may have others at your health food store. In reading up on the product there seems to be a little controversy in the production of the sugar eliminating the growth of coconuts – but I think, for removing white refined sugar from my cooking – I’ll buy a bag every now and again. It’s a great alternative.
Adapted from All You Need Is Food
Cathy
THE best zucchini bread EVER! Great job! I baked mine in a bundt pan and it’s just like cake!
Yvonne
You made my day! I’m so happy you liked it so much. Adding it to a bundt pan? Brilliant!
Deb
I made this bread last night and it is soooooo GOOD! I didn’t have walnuts so I threw in some hemp seeds, and I used a larger shallow baking dish because I didn’t have 2 loaf pans. This bread is so moist and yummy… and healthy too, Yeah! So glad I found this recipe! :)
Yvonne
I’m so happy! What great substitutions! We love hemp seeds – brilliant idea! Thanks for taking the time to tell me how you liked it!
marcy
Made this bread today and it turned out great! I had to use regular white flour instead of oat flour this time and even had enough to make 2 loafs…one of which i added chocolate chips.
Yvonne
Wahoo! Sounds delicious!
Hannah
Most amazing healthy bread recipe I’ve had – super moist – just right !! You made it perfectly !
Yvonne
Oh Hannah – you are such a sweetie, thanks for the kind comment :) I couldn’t believe how good it turned out!