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Moist Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Glaze

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A moist, flavorful quick bread combining fresh zucchini and bright lemon zest, topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower preferred)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Grate zucchini finely and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the grated zucchini evenly.
  7. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Tap pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick for doneness.
  9. While baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually adding powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add milk as needed to reach pourable consistency.
  10. Remove bread from oven and cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  11. Once completely cool, drizzle cream cheese glaze evenly over the top.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender. Squeeze zucchini dry to avoid soggy bread. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. If bread browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Let bread cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting and running off. Variations include gluten-free flour, vegan substitutions, adding nuts or berries, and reducing sugar for less sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon zucchini bread, quick bread, cream cheese glaze, moist bread, easy dessert, zucchini recipe, lemon dessert

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/moist-lemon-zucchini-bread-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-glaze/