Paleo Zucchini Bread

Paleo Zucchini Bread balances moisture and richness, creating a delightful treat you can enjoy guilt-free. With its tender crumb and subtly sweet flavor, this bread incorporates the wholesome goodness of zucchini while embracing a paleo-friendly approach. You won’t even miss traditional flours or sugars, thanks to the creative blend of almond and coconut flours, along with naturally sweet ingredients like ripe bananas or applesauce.

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Paleo Zucchini Bread

It’s a wonderful recipe to whip up, especially during zucchini season when you may have a surplus of this nutritious vegetable. I first discovered this gem while looking for a way to use up some zucchini from my garden. Upon the first bite, the delightful hints of cinnamon and the surprising burst from the dark chocolate chunks convinced me we had a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 75 minutes, this delicious bread is easy to make even on a busy day.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, natural sweetness, and dark chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: With its moist texture and rich chocolate chunks, it’s a visually stunning addition to any table.
  • Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert, this bread fits any occasion.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free, dairy-free, and adaptable for various diets, you can enjoy it without worry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 4 eggs (room temperature): Eggs add moisture and structure. For a vegan option, you can substitute with flax eggs.
  • 1/2 cup mashed banana (1 large) or applesauce: This natural sweetener enhances flavor and keeps the bread moist.
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness; honey can also be used as a substitute but will alter the flavor slightly.
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted): This healthy fat contributes a rich taste. If you prefer, melted butter or ghee can be used.
  • 1 1/4 cups almond flour: The base of the bread, almond flour gives it a nutty flavor. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seed flour is a good alternative.
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour: Helps absorb moisture and creates a fluffy texture. Do not substitute with regular flour.
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda: This leavening agent gives lift to your bread.
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that perfectly complements the zucchini.
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (from about 1 medium zucchini): The star of the show, provides moisture and nutrition. Be sure to drain it well for the best texture.
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chunks (optional): For those who love a hint of chocolate. Go for dairy-free chocolate to keep it paleo-friendly.

How to Make Paleo Zucchini Bread

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Spread the grated zucchini on a few layers of paper towels, place another layer of paper towels on top, and gently press to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for avoiding a soggy loaf.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the 4 room temperature eggs, ½ cup mashed banana (or applesauce), ¼ cup pure maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.
  4. Incorporate the Zucchini: Gently fold the drained zucchini into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in 1 1/4 cups almond flour, 1/4 cup coconut flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir gently until just combined; resist the urge to overmix. For extra fun, fold in ½ cup dark chocolate chunks if using.
  6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Add a few additional chocolate chunks on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Bread: Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 35-45 minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, lift the bread out using the parchment paper and place it directly on the rack to cool completely.
  8. Store It Well: This Paleo Zucchini Bread stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Paleo Zucchini Bread at its best, store it at room temperature for up to a day in an airtight container. If you need longer storage, refrigerate it; this keeps it fresh for about 6 days. For longer preservation, freeze in slices or whole after wrapping tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up. Keep in mind, the texture may change slightly, but a little toasting will revive it beautifully!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Keep those eggs at room temperature for fluffiness; cold eggs can make the batter dense.
  • Don’t skip draining the zucchini thoroughly; moisture control is key for a good crumb.
  • Swap in a chocolate bar and chop it for a different texture and a richer taste.
  • For added interest, consider spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract.
  • You can make this bread ahead and slice it for easy grab-and-go breakfasts!
  • Want it sweeter? Add a bit more mashed banana or maple syrup to taste.

This delightful Paleo Zucchini Bread captures the cozy essence of home-baked goods while keeping everything nutritious and wholesome. With its sweet, spiced aroma wafting through your kitchen and that velvety texture, you won’t be able to resist it. Feel free to play around with flavors or try different add-ins, making it your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Paleo Zucchini Bread

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of the paleo-friendly flours?

Using regular flour isn’t recommended, as this recipe is designed specifically for almond and coconut flours. These flours have different properties and yield different textures, which is part of the charm of the Paleo Zucchini Bread.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Check for doneness at the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or even add dried fruits for a different flavor twist. Just be mindful of the additional moisture this may bring.

What’s the best way to freeze the zucchini bread?

For freezing, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, followed by a layer of heavy-duty freezer plastic. This avoids freezer burn, and your bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

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Paleo-Zucchini-Bread-Recipe

Paleo Zucchini Bread

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  • Author: Peter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Paleo

Description

Enjoy your homemade Paleo Zucchini Bread, packed with flavors from almond flour and spices, enhanced by moist zucchini and optional dark chocolate chunks. Ideal for breakfast or a healthy snack.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup mashed banana (1 large) or applesauce
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 1/4 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (from about 1 medium zucchini)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chunks, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
  2. Grate the zucchini and place it between layers of paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Set aside.
  3. In a bowl or stand mixer, combine the eggs, mashed banana, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil, and mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. Gently fold in the zucchini.
  4. Mix in the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until just combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chunks.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out and topping with extra chocolate chunks if you like.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 35-45 minutes before removing it from the pan. Cool completely on the rack.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

Ensure the zucchini is well squeezed to avoid excess moisture in the bread.
For a sweeter option, feel free to increase the maple syrup slightly or add more banana slices when serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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