Oh, friends, you KNOW fall baking is my jam! There’s just something about the crisp air and the smell of warm spices that gets me every time. And what’s better than pumpkin bread? Well, let me tell you, pumpkin ZUCCHINI bread! It’s like a secret weapon, adding extra moisture and a little something-something that everyone will rave about. Seriously, this pumpkin zucchini bread recipe is a game-changer.
I remember the first time I made bread – disaster! It was dense, dry, and basically a brick. But don’t worry, this recipe is NOTHING like that. It’s foolproof, I promise! The pumpkin and zucchini combo creates the most unbelievably moist and flavorful bread. Trust me; even if you’re a beginner baker, you can totally nail this. Plus, the warm spices? Cinnamon, nutmeg… mmm! They make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking this amazing pumpkin zucchini bread recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe
Delicious and Moist Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Seriously, the flavor is outta this world! And the texture? Perfectly moist. You won’t be able to stop at one slice, I guarantee it!
Easy Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe to Follow
Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is super straightforward. I’ve broken it down so even beginner bakers can get it right. No fuss, just deliciousness!
Perfect for Fall Baking
Nothing says “fall” like pumpkin spice, right? This bread is the ultimate autumn treat. Perfect for cozy weekends and sharing with friends and family!
Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This pumpkin zucchini bread recipe is pretty forgiving, but using good stuff makes all the difference. I always say, happy ingredients, happy bread! So, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece:
Dry Ingredients
First up, the dry stuff! You’ll need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda (that’s our rising agent!), 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of cloves, and ½ teaspoon of salt. These spices? They’re what make it taste like fall!
Wet Ingredients
Now for the wet! Grab 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar (you can use brown sugar too for a richer flavor!), ¾ cup of vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil!), 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of pumpkin puree. NOT pumpkin pie filling, okay? Just the plain puree!
Key Add-ins for Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
And finally, the stars of the show! You’ll need 1 cup of shredded zucchini (make sure you squeeze out the extra water – more on that later!), and if you’re feeling nutty, 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. I love the crunch they add!
How to Make Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! This pumpkin zucchini bread recipe is so easy, I swear you’ll be making it every week. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have two loaves of deliciousness in no time!
Preparing the Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Batter
Okay, first things first, grab those two bowls! In one, whisk together all your dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, spices, the whole shebang. In the other, mix your sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Get it nice and combined! Then, stir in your pumpkin and zucchini. Now, GRADUALLY add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix, okay? Finally, stir in those nuts if you’re using them!
Baking Your Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans. This is important, trust me! Nobody wants stuck bread. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 50-60 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. If it doesn’t, give it a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it!
Cooling and Slicing Your Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. I know, it’s hard to resist, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Once cool, slice and enjoy! This pumpkin zucchini bread is amazing warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe
Want bakery-worthy pumpkin zucchini bread every single time? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my tried-and-true secrets for baking success. These are the little things that make a BIG difference!
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Seriously, this is key! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough, dense bread. We want tender and moist, remember? Mix until *just* combined!
Squeeze Excess Moisture from Zucchini
Zucchini is sneaky! It holds a TON of water. If you skip this step, your bread will be soggy. Ain’t nobody want soggy bread! Squeeze it out with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Adjust Spices to Your Liking
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Not a fan of cloves? Leave ’em out! Love ginger? Add a pinch! This pumpkin zucchini bread recipe is your canvas – get creative!
Variations on This Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic pumpkin zucchini bread recipe, right? Now it’s time to get FUNKY! This recipe is seriously begging for you to put your own spin on it. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Trust me, you can’t go wrong!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Um, hello, chocolate! Who doesn’t love chocolate chips? Just toss in a cup (or more, I won’t judge!) of your favorite chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate… the choice is yours!
Spiced Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Want to kick up the spice a notch? Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. It’ll give your pumpkin zucchini bread a warm, cozy flavor that’s totally irresistible!
Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Ooh, this one’s fancy! Mix together some softened cream cheese, sugar, and a little vanilla. Then, swirl it into the batter before baking. You’ll get a tangy, sweet surprise in every bite of this pumpkin zucchini bread!
Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe
Alright, so you’ve baked your amazing pumpkin zucchini bread… now what? Well, if you’re anything like me, one loaf will disappear immediately! But for the other loaf (or what’s left!), here’s what I do: I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. Wanna keep it longer? Freeze it! Just wrap it well, and it’ll be good for up to 2 months. Easy peasy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind this pumpkin zucchini bread recipe’s nutritional info is just an estimate, okay? It can totally vary depending on the brands you use and how big you slice it (we all have our moments, right?). So, don’t take this as gospel, but it should give you a general idea!
FAQ About This Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this amazing pumpkin zucchini bread recipe. Don’t be shy – baking should be fun!
Can I use frozen zucchini in this Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw it completely and squeeze out *all* the excess moisture. Seriously, squeeze it like you mean it! Otherwise, your bread will be a soggy mess. Yuck!
Can I make this Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe gluten-free?
Yep! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I’ve had good luck with Bob’s Red Mill. You might need to add a little extra moisture, so keep an eye on the batter’s consistency.
How do I keep my Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe moist?
The key is the pumpkin and zucchini! But don’t overbake it! And store it properly – tightly wrapped – after it cools. That’ll keep all that yummy moisture locked in!
Enjoy Your Homemade Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Alright, you did it! You baked an amazing loaf (or two!) of pumpkin zucchini bread! Now, go grab a slice, brew a cup of coffee, and enjoy! And hey, if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I wanna know what you think!
Print
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe: Banish Dryness in 5 Steps
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this moist and flavorful pumpkin zucchini bread. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Add pumpkin puree and zucchini to the wet ingredients; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in nuts, if using.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can freeze the bread for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg