Baking is a delightful activity, and making Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious treat. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with wholesome ingredients. Whether you savor it for breakfast or as a snack, this zucchini bread is delicious and guilt-free. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy individuals or families seeking healthy options.
Why make this recipe
Choosing to make Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread offers several benefits. First, it is an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your diet. The zucchini adds moisture and nutrients without the added fat that traditional recipes often include. This bread is oil-free, making it lighter and healthier. Moreover, it uses spelt flour, which contains more fiber and protein than regular flour. The natural sweetness from applesauce and brown sugar allows for a delightful taste without being overly sugary. Finally, this recipe is versatile—you can easily customize it by adding chocolate chips or walnuts. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier baked good.
How to make Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread
Making Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread is simple and requires just a few steps. You will gather your ingredients, mix them, pour the batter into a loaf pan, and bake. In no time, your kitchen will fill with the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups light spelt flour (190 g)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (3 g)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (2 g)
- 2 tsp baking powder (8 g)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (2 g)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (1 g)
- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax seed + 6 tbsp water) (14 g ground flax seed + 90 ml water)
- 1/2 cup applesauce (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup dark brown cane sugar, medium packed (100 g)
- 1/4 cup cane sugar (50 g)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10 ml)
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice (7.5 ml)
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (from 1 medium size zucchini) (120 g)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or walnuts (optional) (120 g)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let this mixture thicken for about 5-10 minutes. This mixture will act as an egg substitute.
- In another bowl, combine the light spelt flour, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Set the grated zucchini aside.
- To the thickened flax mixture, add the applesauce, dark brown sugar, cane sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and the grated zucchini. Whisk this together until smooth.
- Stir in the optional chocolate chips or walnuts into the wet mixture if desired.
- Now, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; it is important not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 37-45 minutes. The bread is ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the zucchini bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to serve Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread
Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread is versatile for serving. You can enjoy it plain or spread a little nut butter on top for added flavor and nutrition. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. It’s also a great option for breakfast or to pack in lunchboxes. For a special treat, consider toasting slices and topping them with fresh fruit or yogurt.
How to store Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread
To store your Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread, let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. This bread freezes well, too. Simply slice it, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw slices as needed for a quick snack.
Tips to make Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread
Here are some tips to enhance your zucchini bread-making experience:
- Choose the right zucchini: Select medium-sized squash, which holds more moisture.
- Shred zucchini: Use a box grater to shred the zucchini for even distribution in the batter.
- Mix gently: Overmixing can lead to a dense bread; mix just until combined.
- Check for doneness: Baking times can vary, so check your bread a few minutes early. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to test for readiness.
- Personalize your recipe: Feel free to add spices, nuts, or other mix-ins like dried fruits to make it your own.
Variation (if any)
You can easily modify this recipe based on your preferences. Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly or add raisins. You can also experiment with spices by introducing ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute the spelt flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of spelt flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for spelt flour. However, spelt flour is healthier and has a nuttier flavor.
2. Is the zucchini bread vegan?
Yes, this zucchini bread is vegan since it uses flax eggs instead of chicken eggs.
3. How can I make my zucchini bread sweeter?
To make the bread sweeter, simply add more sugar or incorporate sweet mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or nuts enhances the texture and flavor of the bread. Feel free to use either or both!
5. How long does this bread last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
6. Can I freeze the Zucchini Bread?
Yes, the zucchini bread freezes well. Make sure to slice it, wrap each slice in plastic, and store in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Nutritional Information (per slice, assuming 10 slices per loaf)
- Calories: 136
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Protein: 3 g
This Oil Free Healthy Zucchini Bread not only tastes great but also nourishes your body. Enjoy making it for yourself, family, or friends!