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If you’re looking for a delightfully moist, flavorful, and naturally sweet treat, this Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with tender zucchini flecks and a refreshing lemony glaze, this bread strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort and bright zest. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based baking, this recipe simplifies every step while delivering a loaf that’s rich in texture, lightly spiced, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe plays an essential role. From the humble zucchini that keeps things moist and fresh, to the cinnamon adding warmth and depth, each item is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Let’s break them down so you feel confident gathering your pantry staples.
- Ground flax meal: Acts as a natural egg substitute, binding the ingredients while adding a mild nutty flavor.
- Water: Mixed with flax meal to create the “flax egg,” essential for moisture and structure.
- Zucchini (shredded): The star of the show, adding moisture, subtle sweetness, and tender crumb to the bread.
- Sugar: Provides natural sweetness that perfectly complements zucchini’s mild flavor.
- Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil works here to keep the bread soft and luscious without overpowering the taste.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a comforting aromatic note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and lemon.
- Flour: You can use white, wheat, or a gluten-free mix to create the base, holding the bread together perfectly.
- Baking soda: Gives the bread a lovely rise and light texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the bread.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the lemon drizzle to create a smooth, sweet glaze that adds a final fresh touch.
- Lemon juice: Lends bright citrus tang in the drizzle, cutting through the sweetness for a perfect finish.
How to Make Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Flax Egg
Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flax meal with 1/3 cup of water in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency. This flax egg replaces conventional eggs, providing both moisture and binding power while keeping your bread vegan and wholesome.
Step 2: Prep the Zucchini
Shred about 1 and a half cups of zucchini—roughly one medium zucchini—using a grater or finely chop it in a food processor. Shredding ensures that the zucchini integrates seamlessly into the batter, distributing moisture evenly for that signature tender crumb in your zucchini bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, toss the shredded zucchini with 3/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup oil of your choice, the prepared flax egg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir gently to marry all these ingredients, creating a rich, flavorful base that’s both slightly sweet and warmly aromatic.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Batter
In another bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of flour (your chosen variety), 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together into a thick batter. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and light.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter in, smoothing the top gently. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool completely in the pan before removing it to avoid any crumbling.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Lemon Glaze
For the finishing touch, mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon lemon juice until creamy and smooth. Drizzle this bright lemon glaze generously over the cooled bread, adding a zesty contrast to the warm, spiced loaf that makes this Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few lemon zest curls or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and amplify the fresh citrus aroma. Toasted chopped walnuts or pecans can also add a wonderful crunch and nutty dimension.
Side Dishes
This vegan zucchini bread pairs beautifully with a simple dairy-free yogurt or a spread of creamy nut butter for an extra satisfying snack. Enjoy it with a cup of herbal tea or your favorite vegan coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftover slices into decadent French toast by dipping them in a plant-based batter and frying until golden. You can also cube the bread and layer it with vegan cream cheese and fresh berries for a playful breakfast parfait that wows guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover zucchini bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its soft crumb and keeps the lemon drizzle fresh and tangy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bread by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then placing it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last frozen up to three months without losing its delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe warm, unwrap your slice and pop it in the toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This revives the moistness while warming the fragrant spices and citrus glaze beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different oil than neutral-flavored ones?
Absolutely! While neutral oils like vegetable or canola keep the flavors balanced, you can experiment with lighter olive oil or coconut oil for a slightly different dimension—just be mindful of how their flavors mingle with the zucchini and lemon.
Is it necessary to peel the zucchini before shredding?
Not at all! The skin is thin and adds a lovely green fleck throughout the bread, which makes it visually appealing and nutritionally richer with added fiber.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping in a gluten-free flour blend, you can keep the bread just as delicious. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the bread’s structure.
How ripe should the zucchini be?
Use fresh, firm zucchini that’s not overly ripe or mushy. Medium-sized zucchinis are perfect because they aren’t too watery, helping the bread stay moist but not soggy.
Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake the loaves separately or side by side in your oven. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them and use the toothpick test to check doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe is one of those rare treats that feel like a warm hug and a bright burst of sunshine all at once. It’s easy to make, packed with plant-based goodness, and adaptable for any occasion, from breakfast to afternoon tea. I truly hope you enjoy sharing it as much as I do – it’s a wonderful way to celebrate fresh flavors and wholesome baking all year round.
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Vegan Zucchini Bread with Lemon Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Zucchini Bread is a moist, flavorful, and healthy treat made without any animal products. Utilizing ground flax meal as an egg substitute and fresh shredded zucchini, it’s sweetened naturally and enhanced with warm cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this recipe yields a tender loaf topped with a tangy lemon glaze for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Bread
- 2 tablespoons ground flax meal
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup neutral-flavored oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour (white, wheat, or gluten-free mix)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Lemon Drizzle
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the zucchini bread.
- Make Flax Egg: Combine 2 tablespoons ground flax meal with 1/3 cup water in a small bowl. Stir and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, forming a flax egg substitute.
- Prepare Zucchini: Shred one medium zucchini or finely chop it in a food processor. Transfer the shredded zucchini into a medium mixing bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add 3/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup neutral oil, the prepared flax egg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the zucchini. Stir well to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the wet mixture. Stir until a thick, consistent batter forms.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when ready. Allow the bread to cool before removing it from the pan.
- Prepare Lemon Drizzle: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy. The glaze is optional but adds a refreshing citrus sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute the oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version, though the texture may vary.
- Using gluten-free flour allows this bread to be gluten-free friendly.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- The lemon drizzle is optional but enhances the flavor with a bright citrus note.
- Allow the flax egg to rest for at least 5 minutes to achieve the right consistency before mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American