Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides to act as handles. Secure the parchment with binder clips if needed, then set aside.
Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the shredded zucchini, eggs, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix—overworking the batter can create large air tunnels in the finished bread.
Make the Swirl Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Stir well to blend.
Assemble the Loaf
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer.
- Gently spoon the remaining batter on top and spread it carefully to the edges. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
- Take a butter knife or a thin skewer and run it through the batter in a zigzag pattern—first from one end of the pan to the other, then from side to side—to create a marbled swirl effect. Avoid over-swirling.
Bake and Cool
- Bake at 350°F for 60–65 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment handles and transfer to the rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
For extra crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the dry ingredients.
Storage: Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use press-and-seal wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
No yogurt? Use an equal amount of sour cream as a substitute.
Do not squeeze the moisture out of the zucchini—it adds necessary moisture to the bread.
For a deeper flavor, toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese.