Zucchini bread is awesome, there’s no denying that…but lemon zucchini bread?? It’s unbelievably good and if the lemon version were even in the same category as the more traditional version, it would blow it out of the water. Thankfully, there’s no replacing a classic, so there’s no real competition here, but this fruitier, sweeter, denser loaf makes a pretty perfect addition to any brunch or dessert buffet – or really any occasion at all, let’s be real.
One of the great things about zucchini is that it goes well with just about any other flavor/ingredient you pair it with; Since it’s got its own subtle flavor, you get a combo that isn’t overwhelming, but is nicely balanced out and wholly delicious. Here, you’ve got a dense, moist crumb cake that’s lightened up by the zucchini, bright and citrusy with the fresh lemon juice, and with a little tang from some lemon Greek yogurt. There’s nothing overly sweet or cloying about this, it’s just tasty and refreshing, plain and simple.
Once you’ve got your bread out of the oven and it’s cooling off – you want it to be fully cooled before you glaze it, so you get the bright white, hardened glaze – then you’ll mix up your glaze, which is simple powdered sugar and lemon juice. It might seem like too much powdered sugar for the amount of lemon juice, but just keep mixing! It always smoothes out at the end. Glaze your bread, top it off with some fresh lemon zest if you like and let it set…if you can wait that long! (If not, we understand!)
Lemon Zucchini Bread
1 hour 20 minutes to prepare serves 8-10
INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 (6 oz.) container lemon Greek yogurt
3 eggs
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups zucchini, grated, drained and squeezed dry
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest, optional
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl or mixer, beat together sugar and canola oil, then mix in eggs and Greek yogurt.
Once eggs are fully incorporated, mix in lemon juice and vanilla extract.
Gradually fold in dry ingredients until incorporated, then gently fold in grated zucchini and lemon zest.
Pour batter into greased loaf pan, then place in oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs.
Remove from oven and let cool.
For the glaze: whisk lemon juice into powdered sugar until smooth, stirring in lemon zest, if desired.
Once cake has fully cooled, pour glaze over cake and let set until hardened.
Slice, serve and enjoy.