The combination of nutty quinoa, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs creates a satisfying and flavorful filling for sweet bell peppers.
What’s more, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste and dietary preferences. You can use any color of bell peppers you like, or mix and match for a stunning presentation. You can also add or substitute veggies and herbs, depending on what you have on hand. And if you want to make it vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, a potluck party, or any occasion where you want to impress with a healthy and tasty meal.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 cup brown sugar (packed)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
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1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Fold in the grated zucchini and nuts, if using. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 75 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 220 kcal per slice (assuming 12 slices) | Servings: 12
The Charm of Vegan Zucchini Bread: A Perfect Plant-Based Treat
Vegan zucchini bread is more than just a simple loaf of bread—it’s a celebration of seasonal produce, wholesome ingredients, and compassionate cooking. This plant-based twist on the classic zucchini bread transforms a traditionally egg- and dairy-filled recipe into a vegan delight that everyone can enjoy. Zucchini, often underappreciated in the kitchen, plays a starring role here by adding moisture, subtle sweetness, and a tender crumb, all while keeping the bread light and fluffy.
What makes vegan zucchini bread especially appealing is its versatility. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diet without sacrificing flavor or texture. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to use up an abundance of zucchini, especially during the summer when this vegetable is at its peak. The bread’s rich aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with the natural sweetness of brown sugar and applesauce creates a comforting and inviting experience, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea.
Why Choose Vegan Baking?
Vegan baking has gained significant popularity for many reasons, including health benefits, environmental concerns, and ethical choices. Vegan baked goods typically omit eggs, dairy, and other animal products, replacing them with plant-based alternatives such as applesauce, flaxseeds, or aquafaba (chickpea water). This not only makes the recipe accessible to vegans but also to those with egg or dairy allergies.
In the case of zucchini bread, the moisture that eggs typically provide can be beautifully substituted with applesauce and oil, maintaining the bread’s soft texture without any compromise. Choosing plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk further enriches the recipe while keeping it allergy-friendly. Vegan baking encourages creativity with ingredients and inspires cooks to experiment with healthier substitutions that often increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals in the finished product.
The Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini in Baking
Zucchini is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. Incorporating zucchini into baked goods is an excellent way to sneak extra veggies into your diet, especially for picky eaters or those who struggle to meet their daily vegetable intake.
When grated and added to bread, zucchini’s high water content keeps the loaf moist naturally, reducing the need for excessive fats or sweeteners. This results in a healthier, lighter bread option that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Zucchini also adds dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. For those following plant-based or whole-food diets, zucchini bread is a perfect snack or breakfast option to fuel the day with wholesome energy.
Customizing Your Vegan Zucchini Bread
One of the joys of making vegan zucchini bread is how adaptable the recipe is. Depending on your preferences or dietary needs, you can easily modify the ingredients. For instance, swapping out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour allows you to cater to gluten sensitivities or boost fiber content. Using different nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even seeds adds texture and healthy fats, though these can be omitted for nut-free diets.
Sweeteners can be adjusted too—some prefer maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar to keep the bread less processed or vegan-certified. The warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can be played with; adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom gives the bread an exotic twist. For a richer flavor, vegan chocolate chips or dried fruit can be folded into the batter, making it a more indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Zucchini Bread Every Time
Getting the perfect vegan zucchini bread comes down to a few simple tips. First, make sure to grate the zucchini finely and gently squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf, so stir just until ingredients are combined.
It’s important to preheat the oven and prepare your loaf pan correctly to ensure even baking. Use a toothpick or skewer to check doneness—the bread is ready when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Letting the bread cool completely before slicing helps it set and enhances the texture.
Lastly, storing the bread wrapped in parchment or airtight containers keeps it fresh for several days. It can also be frozen in slices for easy, on-the-go snacks. Reheating lightly in the oven or toaster revives the bread’s softness and flavor.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What distinguishes this vegan zucchini bread recipe from others is its balanced combination of ingredients that yield a moist, tender crumb with subtle sweetness and gentle spice. Using a mix of brown and granulated sugar lends depth to the flavor while applesauce replaces eggs, providing natural moisture and binding.
The use of plant-based milk and oil ensures the bread stays soft without being greasy, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. The optional nuts add a delightful crunch, creating a multi-textured experience. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginner bakers but delivers a professional-level loaf that impresses guests and family alike.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Vegan zucchini bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it plain with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a simple breakfast or afternoon snack. For a richer experience, spread a layer of vegan butter, nut butter, or fruit jam on warm slices.
It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or dairy-free yogurt for a wholesome brunch. Crumbled over a bowl of plant-based yogurt with berries, it makes an excellent crumble topping. This bread also works well as a portable snack for lunchboxes or picnics.
For those who like savory-sweet contrasts, a smear of vegan cream cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the flavor further.
Environmental and Ethical Benefits of Choosing Vegan Baking
By choosing to bake vegan zucchini bread, you contribute positively to reducing environmental impact. Plant-based ingredients typically have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal products. This means less water use, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced strain on natural resources.
Ethically, vegan baking aligns with compassion towards animals by avoiding eggs and dairy, which often come from industrial farming. Supporting plant-based recipes encourages sustainable food choices and promotes a kinder, healthier world.
Conclusion: A Nourishing and Delightful Classic Reimagined
Vegan zucchini bread is a shining example of how traditional favorites can be reimagined to suit modern, health-conscious lifestyles without sacrificing taste or texture. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that combines wholesome ingredients with the natural goodness of zucchini to create a moist, flavorful loaf everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re vegan, trying to eat more plants, managing allergies, or simply looking for a delicious homemade bread option, this recipe is an excellent choice. Its adaptability, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits make it a staple worth keeping in your baking repertoire. The warm spices and tender crumb bring comfort and joy in every bite, turning humble ingredients into a celebration of plant-based baking at its best.