We all know that zucchini is delicious in savory dishes but did you know that it’s also a wonderful ingredient to use in baked goods? Baking with zucchini adds moistness that can reduce or eliminate the need for oil or butter. April 25th is National Zucchini Bread Day which celebrates the yummy quick bread made with zucchini and other ingredients such as orange zest, chocolate, dried fruit, and warm spices.
Zucchini is known for its mild flavor and high water content. This quiet summer squash is a lot healthier than you might think. The fact that they are 95 percent water means they are low in calories and a refreshing food for summer.
There are so many ways to cook with zucchini. If you need recipes and ideas, see 10 Delicious Ways to Use All That Summer Zucchini, 15 Summer Recipes with Zucchini, and 10 Zucchini-Filled Dishes for National Zucchini Day. Today, however, is all about baking with zucchini. Try these 10 recipes for baked goods made super-moist and healthier with zucchini.
1. Zucchini Bread With Fennel Seeds and Pistachios
How gorgeous is this Zucchini Bread With Fennel Seeds and Pistachios?! This zucchini bread features two types of squash, three types of flours, chopped pistachios, and fennel seeds to make it hearty and grainy. It’s the right type of bread for a sweet treat, a nice breakfast, and snacking.
2. Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
Zucchini is the perfect addition to these Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins. They straddle the line between savory and sweet – you could certainly choose to eat these for dessert, but they’d also work well slathered with nut butter or a vegan buttery spread for breakfast.
3. Mango Zucchini Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches
Did you know you can take any quick bread recipe and transform it into a delicious summer dessert like these Mango Zucchini Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches? The tropical flavors of the bread are perfect for holding the creamy banana ice cream in this new twist on a classic.
4. Raw Chocolate Zucchini Bites
Okay, these Raw Chocolate Zucchini Bites are technically not baked goods, but if you want to sneak more veggies into your diet, then this is a delicious way to do it. Oats, dates, and zucchini are the main ingredients in this chocolatey treat you can feel good about snacking on.
5. Individual Chocolate Espresso Cake With Zucchini
No one who looks at this Individual Chocolate Espresso Cake would know there are veggies hidden within. The zucchini makes it super-moist, but all people will taste is the rich chocolate flavor and the hint of espresso coffee. Plus, everyone loves individually-sized treats because you can eat the whole thing all by yourself!
6. Zucchini Blueberry Muffins
Zucchini and blueberries are a winning combination. Use them both to make these yummy Zucchini Blueberry Muffins. They’re sweet and have the warm flavor and aroma of cinnamon. Feed these to your children to sneak in more vegetables and fruit under a tasty breakfast guise.
7. Paleo Zucchini Bread
This Paleo Zucchini Bread is super easy to make and packed with nutrition. It contains almonds, flaxseeds, coconut oil, and of course, zucchini! This no-sugar-added version may not be as sweet as some other zucchini breadrecipes, but it is still rich with flavor. Pair this bread with your favorite spread as a snack, or combine with soup for a hearty meal.
8. Zucchini Carrot Cupcakes With Avocado Icing
Eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good cupcake. These Zucchini Carrot Cupcakes With Avocado Icing are healthy, but they’re also mouthwateringly delicious. They’re filled with healthy veggies and topped with a creamy, luscious avocado icing. It’s a win-win!
9. Maple-Sweetened Zucchini Doughnuts With Date Frosting
If you like zucchini bread, you’ll love these Maple-Sweetened Zucchini Doughnuts With Date Frosting. Sweetened with maple syrup and baked rather than fried, these doughnuts will remind you of muffin tops – which we all know are the best part!
10. Zucchini Poppy Seed Cake With Lemon Drizzle Icing
Zucchini is the magic ingredient in this Zucchini Poppy Seed Cake With Lemon Drizzle Icing. The zucchini adds untold moisture and subtle sweetness to this cake, poppy seeds add a little crunch, and the lemon icing gives it a tangy kick. It’s a really pretty cake too, so enjoy a slice with a cup of your favorite tea. How sophisticated!
The mild flavor of zucchini makes it the perfect blank canvas upon which we can paint mouthwatering flavors. Zucchini is the veggie of choice for amazing zucchini bread and other baked goods.
Lead image source: Zucchini Bread With Fennel Seeds and Pistachios
