I absolutely love sharing this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe because it combines the best of fresh garden flavors with a little bit of sweetness that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s perfect for those times when you want a treat that’s a little healthier yet still full of comfort and indulgence. Honestly, this bread works great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a casual dessert when topped with a little butter or cream cheese.
When I first tried this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe, I was blown away by how the zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist without feeling heavy, and the blueberries add that lovely burst of juiciness. Plus, you can sneak in some vegetables without anyone batting an eye—which is a win in my kitchen! Once you master this recipe, you’ll find it’s your go-to for turning zucchini and blueberries into something memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The zucchini adds natural moisture, making the bread soft and tender every single time.
- Fresh Fruit Boost: Bursting blueberries add a sweet-tart layer that complements the warm spices perfectly.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want to toss in nuts or omit them, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones beg me to make this bread, and I’m confident you’ll hear the same from yours!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe plays a role that’s easy to appreciate—warm spices for depth, fresh zucchini for moisture, and blueberries that bring brightness. When shopping, look for firm zucchinis and fresh, plump blueberries for the best results.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best to get that classic bread texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth; I sometimes increase it slightly for a spicier flavor.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These help the bread rise well—don’t skip or substitute!
- Nutmeg: A pinch provides subtle earthiness balancing the cinnamon.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist—vegetable or canola oil works great.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a rich sweetness with a bit of molasses depth.
- Eggs: Bind everything and add structure.
- Vanilla Extract: For that sweet, fragrant background note.
- Zucchini: Grated fresh zucchini is essential—don’t squeeze out the moisture, it’s what keeps the bread tender.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries work; if frozen, don’t thaw to keep the bread from turning blue everywhere.
- Walnuts (Optional): Toasted for crunch and nuttiness; feel free to skip or swap for pecans.
Variations
I love how versatile the Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe is, so I often tweak it just a bit depending on the season or who I’m serving it to. Don’t hesitate to customize it to fit your mood or pantry staples.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve substituted a gluten-free flour blend, and it worked well with a slightly denser texture—just be sure to check baking times.
- Nut-Free Option: Skipping the walnuts is a breeze and still keeps the bread delicious—great for schools or nut allergies.
- Extra Spices: Sometimes I add a dash of ground ginger or cardamom for a more aromatic loaf.
- Blueberry-Lemon Twist: Adding lemon zest complements the blueberries beautifully and adds a fresh zing.
How to Make Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lets the oven reach the perfect temperature so your bread bakes evenly. Spray a standard 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper—this will help your bread release cleanly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so no bites are overly spiced or flat.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil and brown sugar for about a minute until combined—not fluffy, but well blended. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, and finally stir in the vanilla extract. This step creates a rich, sweet base that balances the zucchini and blueberries.
Step 4: Add Zucchini, Blueberries, and Nuts
Fold in the grated zucchini and blueberries gently so you don’t break the berries too much. If you’re using walnuts, fold those in now as well. The moisture from zucchini and the softness of blueberries keeps the bread tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—just fold enough to eliminate streaks of flour. Overmixing can make your bread dense and tough, which nobody wants!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared loaf pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Sometimes your oven might run hot or cool, so start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. When it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this keeps it moist inside and easy to slice.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: I learned the hard way that folding just until combined keeps the bread tender, so go slow here.
- Keep the Zucchini Moisture: I don’t squeeze out the grated zucchini because that extra moisture makes this loaf irresistibly soft.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries Carefully: If using frozen, add them straight to the batter to avoid color bleeding in the bread.
- Check with a Toothpick Early: Start testing at 50 minutes to avoid drying out your loaf, especially if it’s your first time with this recipe.
How to Serve Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love to slice this bread thick and then spread a bit of cream cheese or a smear of honey on top—simple but elevates the flavor beautifully. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch for guests or a little extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, and if it’s brunch time, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve turned this bread into mini loaf cakes by baking in smaller pans and topping them with a lemon glaze—everyone loves how festive and fresh they look. Wrapping slices in parchment with a ribbon also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Blueberry Zucchini Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays moist for about 3 days. If your kitchen is warmer, popping it in the fridge helps stretch its life a bit, though the texture might be firmer.
Freezing
Freezing slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag has saved me many times. When I want a quick snack, I grab a slice and toast it after thawing for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
I find reheating the bread in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature for 5-10 minutes does wonders for reviving its softness while keeping the edges slightly crisp—delicious!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen blueberries without thawing them first. Just fold them directly into the batter to help prevent the color from bleeding too much and affecting the bread’s texture.
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Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?
Nope, you don’t need to peel it! The skin is thin and soft when baked, plus it adds a nice color and nutritional boost to your bread.
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Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something healthier?
You can try using melted coconut oil or a mild olive oil, but keep in mind this might slightly change the flavor and texture. I recommend sticking with oils that won’t overpower the other flavors.
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How can I tell the Blueberry Zucchini Bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Also, the top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe is a gem that’s truly earned a spot in my regular baking rotation. The balance of fresh veggies and sweet fruit, combined with warm spices, makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that feels like a little comfort wrapped up in every slice. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be baking it again and again!
PrintBlueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Blueberry Zucchini Bread that combines fresh grated zucchini and juicy blueberries with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or an anytime treat, with optional crunchy walnuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini, grated
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup crushed walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a standard 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil and brown sugar together for about one minute until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for an additional minute to create a smooth mixture.
- Add Zucchini, Blueberries, and Walnuts: Stir in the grated zucchini, blueberries, and if you choose to use them, the crushed walnuts. Mix until these ingredients are evenly incorporated into the wet mixture.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could affect the texture.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Grate the zucchini finely and squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Blueberries can be fresh or frozen; if using frozen, do not thaw to keep them from bleeding into the batter.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds.
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal from the pan without tearing the loaf.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg