Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe
If you love soft, moist quick breads, this Lemon Zucchini Bread is a must-try recipe. The fresh citrus flavor from lemon zest and juice gives the bread a bright, refreshing taste, while grated zucchini keeps the loaf incredibly moist.
This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snacks. Even people who normally don’t like zucchini will love this bread because the zucchini blends seamlessly into the batter and adds moisture without overpowering the flavor.
The sweet lemon glaze on top takes this loaf to another level, creating the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Moist Texture
Zucchini and Greek yogurt keep the bread soft for days.
Bright Lemon Flavor
Fresh lemon zest and juice add refreshing citrus notes.
Easy Homemade Recipe
Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
Perfect for Any Time of Day
Enjoy it as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Great for Using Extra Zucchini
Perfect when zucchini is in season.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make one delicious loaf.
For the Bread
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups grated zucchini
For the Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Equipment Needed
9×5 loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Box grater
Lemon zester
Spatula
Cooling rack
How to Make Lemon Zucchini Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl whisk together:
Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together:
Eggs
Sugar
Greek yogurt
Vegetable oil
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
4. Add Zucchini
Fold the grated zucchini into the mixture.
Lightly squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir gently until just combined.
Do not overmix.
6. Bake the Bread
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Add Glaze
Let the bread cool for 10 minutes.
Remove from the pan and place on a cooling rack.
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle glaze over the bread.
Expert Tips
Use fresh lemons
Fresh juice and zest give the best flavor.
Squeeze zucchini lightly
Too much water can make the bread soggy.
Do not overmix batter
This keeps the bread soft.
Let bread cool before glazing
Otherwise the glaze will melt.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe.
Add white chocolate chips
Adds sweetness and richness.
Add blueberries
Creates a lemon blueberry zucchini bread.
Use whole wheat flour
Replace half the flour for extra fiber.
Add chopped walnuts
Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Make it dairy-free
Replace yogurt with applesauce.
How to Serve Lemon Zucchini Bread
Serve this bread:
Warm with tea or coffee
With extra lemon glaze
With whipped cream
With vanilla ice cream
With fresh berries
It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Calories: ~280
Protein: 4–5 g
Carbohydrates: ~40 g
Fat: ~12–14 g
Storage and Freezing
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
This lemon zucchini bread works perfectly because the zucchini adds natural moisture while the Greek yogurt keeps the crumb soft and tender.
The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest creates a bright citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the bread.
It’s one of those recipes that feels light, fresh, and comforting all at once.
FAQs
Can you taste zucchini in lemon zucchini bread?
No. The zucchini blends into the batter and mainly adds moisture.
Do you peel zucchini for bread?
No. The peel is soft and adds color and nutrients.
How do you keep zucchini bread moist?
Using zucchini, oil, and yogurt helps keep the bread soft.
Can lemon zucchini bread be frozen?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why is my zucchini bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense.