01 -
First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab your loaf pan – a 9x5 inch one is my go-to. Grease it well, and I always line mine with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the baked loaf out a breeze. Trust me, I’ve had loaves stick before, and it’s heartbreaking after all that effort. A little prep here saves a lot of frustration later!
02 -
In a big bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk, making sure there are no lumps. This is where I sometimes get a little flour cloud going in my kitchen, oops! But it’s important to distribute everything evenly so your bread rises beautifully and tastes consistent throughout. Don't rush this step.
03 -
In a separate, smaller bowl, crack your eggs, then add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and that glorious lemon zest. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and well combined. You'll start smelling that lovely lemon right away! This step always feels like the start of something delicious, and the aroma just fills the air.
04 -
Now for the main event! Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula, just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing is a common mistake I’ve made, and it leads to tough bread. A few streaks of flour are totally fine; it’ll finish mixing when we add the zucchini.
05 -
Gently fold in your grated, squeezed zucchini. This is where the batter really starts to come alive. You’ll see those vibrant green flecks. Mix just until the zucchini is evenly distributed. This step always makes me feel like a garden wizard, transforming humble veggies into something sweet and wonderful. I love how the moisture from the zucchini gets incorporated.
06 -
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While it cools, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled bread. It smells so good, I can barely wait!