Mom’s Zucchini Nut Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Every summer growing up, our family garden would explode with zucchini, transforming us from vegetable growers to zucchini-distribution specialists practically overnight. One afternoon, with countertops overtaken by this prolific vegetable, my mom pulled out her weathered recipe box and unveiled what would become our family’s most treasured summer tradition.

The kitchen filled with the warm scent of cinnamon while my brother and I eagerly waited, watching through the oven door as the bread rose to perfection. That first warm slice, moist and fragrant, topped with a layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, wasn’t just dessert – it was pure magic. Now, when my family helps harvest zucchini from our garden, I know exactly what we’ll be baking together.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mom’s Zucchini Bread

This zucchini bread achieves the perfect balance of moisture and texture through the natural water content in freshly grated zucchini. The vegetable dissolves into the bread as it bakes, leaving behind incredible moisture without any noticeable vegetable flavor. The addition of cinnamon creates warm aromatic notes, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb. Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, this bread transforms from a simple quick bread into an indulgent treat that straddles the line between breakfast and dessert.

3 Tips for Handling Zucchini to Make Zucchini Nut Bread

Zucchini is great for baking because it contains a lot of water to make baked goods extra moist. So feel free to add it to brownies, cakes, muffins, pumpkin bread, and more. Here are 3 tips for how to use zucchini in your baking recipes:

1. Peeling your zucchini is not usually necessary. Zucchini skin is thin and softens while baking; you won’t notice it in your baked loaf. Note that the skin contains lots of vitamins and minerals.
2. Small to medium-sized zucchinis work best. However, larger zucchini may need to be seeded and peeled if the skin is tough.
3. Grate your zucchini with a large box grater or food processor with a shredder attachment. Don’t dice or chop it – grating is the best way to retain moisture.

Recipe for Zucchini Bread With Walnuts – Ingredients You Will Need

All you need to make zucchini bread with cream cheese frosting is a few simple ingredients as follows:

For the Zucchini Walnut Bread:

• Zucchini – Provides exceptional moisture and subtle earthy sweetness that creates a tender crumb
• Walnuts – Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon spice
• Large Eggs – Provide structure and help bind ingredients while contributing to a rich texture
• Sugar – Sweetens the bread and helps create a moist, tender crumb through moisture retention
• All-purpose flour – Forms the foundation of the bread, providing structure and stability
• Baking powder – Creates lift and helps the bread rise evenly during baking
• Baking soda – Reacts with acidic ingredients to produce additional rise and tenderness
• Vegetable oil – Ensures the bread remains moist long after baking
• Cinnamon – Adds warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of zucchini
• Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor with floral, sweet notes
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese – Provides tangy flavor and creamy base for the frosting
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable texture
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and creates proper consistency
• Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes

How to Make This Easy Recipe for Zucchini Bread

This recipe for zucchini bread with walnuts is not at all difficult to make as follows:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 8-inch loaf pans with cooking spray.
2. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess water.
3. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
4. Cream together the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
5. Add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
6. Fold in the shredded zucchini and walnuts.
7. Bake at 350°F for about 40 to 50 minutes.
8. Remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.

9. While the bread is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.

10. Spread the frosting on the top of the cooled loaves.
11. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

This recipe for zucchini bread with walnuts is highly customizable. Here are several ideas for variations:

• Swap out the walnuts for pecans.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg and ground cloves.
• Use pumpkin pie spice in place of the cinnamon.
• Dried cranberries or raisins are a great addition.
• Add some shredded coconut, some orange zest, or a handful of mini chocolate chips.
• You can also use this recipe for zucchini bread to make zucchini muffins instead of loaves.

How to Serve This Easy Zucchini Bread

This moist zucchini bread recipe makes a nice breakfast, a tasty snack, or an accompaniment to your mid-morning cup of coffee.

Storage and Reheating

Unfrosted Bread:

• Room temperature in an airtight container: 2 days
• Refrigerated in an airtight container: up to 5 days

Frosted Bread:

• Refrigerated in an airtight container: up to 5 days

Freezing Instructions:

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
• Cool bread completely
• Slice (if desired)
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
• Freeze for up to 3 months

More Recipes with Zucchini

If you enjoy zucchini, or your garden is overflowing with fresh zucchini, here are some additional zucchini recipes for you:

• Boston Market Squash Casserole
• Chicken Croquettes
• Fried Zucchini Chips
• Penne Primavera
• Zucchini Cake

Favorite Bread Recipes

And here are some more easy quick bread recipes for you to try:

• Apple Bread
• Banana Nut Bread
• Beer Bread
• Boston Brown Bread
• Rhubarb Bread
• Pumpkin Bread
• Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread
• Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Check out more of my easy bread recipes and favorite family recipes on CopyKat!