Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread

Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread is a healthier twist on traditional zucchini bread, packed with protein and moisture from the Greek yogurt. It’s a soft, flavorful loaf that has a subtle tang, and the zucchini keeps it wonderfully moist. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert, this zucchini bread is both delicious and nutritious!

Here’s how to make it:

Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but it adds a nice warm flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or full-fat)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option)
• 1/4 cup (50g) honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry to remove excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup (30g) mini chocolate chips (optional, for a treat!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Zucchini:

   • Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out any excess moisture. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Greek yogurt, oil, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bread light and fluffy.

6. Add Zucchini and Extras:

   • Fold in the grated zucchini, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
   • If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage.

7. Bake the Bread:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. (The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it toward the end.)

8. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.

9. Slice and Enjoy:

   • Once cooled, slice the zucchini bread and enjoy! It’s perfect on its own or with a little smear of butter or cream cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread:

• Squeeze the zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the batter. Too much moisture will make the bread soggy.
• Flour options: You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious loaf, or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
• Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Chopped walnuts, raisins, or a handful of shredded coconut work wonderfully. You could also try adding a handful of chocolate chips for a little indulgence.
• Storage: Store the zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just slice before freezing, and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread:

• Moist and Flavorful: The Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang without being too rich, making this zucchini bread extra tender.
• Healthier: With Greek yogurt, honey/maple syrup, and whole wheat flour options, this is a healthier take on the classic zucchini bread, without compromising on flavor.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, or go for a plain version—it’s versatile and always delicious!

This Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread is a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a sweet, satisfying treat. Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert. Let me know how it turns out!