Heavenly Lemon Zucchini Bread with Caramel Glaze

Heavenly Lemon Zucchini Bread with Caramel Glaze is a delightful twist on traditional zucchini bread. The refreshing lemon flavor combines perfectly with the moist texture of shredded zucchini, topped off with a luscious caramel glaze. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

For the bread:
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the caramel glaze:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. To make the caramel glaze, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Drizzle the caramel glaze over the cooled zucchini bread, slice, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 slices. The prep time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 50-55 minutes, bringing the total time to about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Spices: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile.
• Glaze Options: Replace the caramel glaze with a lemon icing for a zesty finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen zucchini?
   Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
2. Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may alter the texture.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the glaze.
4. Can I add chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a delicious addition.
5. What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
   You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh juice and zest provide the best flavor.
6. How do I know when the bread is done?
   The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Can I make mini loaves?
   Yes, divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce the baking time to about 30-40 minutes.
8. What should I serve with this bread?
   It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
9. How can I make the glaze thicker?
   Cook the glaze a little longer to reduce it, making it thicker.
10. Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
    Yes, it’s an excellent choice for potlucks and gatherings due to its delicious flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

Heavenly Lemon Zucchini Bread with Caramel Glaze is a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat with a zesty twist. With its moist texture and rich caramel topping, it’s bound to be a hit among family and friends. Try it out and savor the flavors of this delicious bread!

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