Zesty Olive Oil Zucchini Bread
This zesty olive oil zucchini bread is healthy, vibrant, and perfectly moist. With warming spices, rich olive oil, and a bright pop of orange zest, this loaf is just the recipe you need around the holidays!!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini squeezed of excess moisture before measuring
- 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- zest of 1 orange
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spay a loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- Using a box grater, shred about 2 medium zucchinis with the skin on. Wrap the shredded zucchini in a thin towel or cheese cloth and squeeze the towel over the sink multiple times to remove the extra moisture. Once most of the excess water has been removed measure out 1 and 1/2 cups of the shredded zucchini and add that to a large bowl.
- To the large bowl, add in olive oil, maple syrup, eggs, apple sauce, and vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt together. Using a microplane grater, grate the zest of one orange and add it to this bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients in two batches to the wet ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spread evenly, and add a handful of walnuts and cranberries over top. Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350F or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack before removing from the pan and serving.
Notes
This loaf keeps well at room temperature for about 3 days and in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also slice the zucchini bread and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just defrost and warm the slices before serving!