Cranberry zucchini loaves
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves (8–10 slices per loaf)
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Quick Bread / Snack / Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp salt
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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Optional: ½ tsp ground ginger or clove
Wet:
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3 large eggs
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1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups grated zucchini (unpeeled)
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1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (or dried cranberries*)
Optional Mix-ins:
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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Zest of 1 orange (pairs beautifully with cranberry!)
*If using dried cranberries, reduce sugar slightly or soak them in orange juice for 10 minutes first to plump.
Equipment
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Two 9×5 inch loaf pans
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk/spatula
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Grater for zucchini
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Toothpick (for doneness test)
Time & Skill
| Task | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | 20 minutes | Easy |
| Bake | 50–60 minutes | Easy |
| Cool | 10–15 minutes | Easy |
| Total | ~1 hr 20 min | Easy |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease or line two 9×5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper.
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Grate zucchini (no need to peel). If it’s very wet, gently squeeze out some excess moisture with a paper towel — but don’t make it too dry.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional spices
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Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
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In another bowl, beat the eggs.
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Add sugar, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
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Stir in grated zucchini and orange zest if using.
Step 4: Combine
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Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, stirring gently.
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Fold in cranberries and nuts (if using).
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Do not overmix — just until combined.
Step 5: Bake
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Divide batter evenly into the two prepared loaf pans.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let loaves cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with butter or cream cheese
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Toast slices and top with a drizzle of honey
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Wrap and gift during holidays with a tag!
Storage & Freezing
| Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temp | 3–4 days | Wrapped tightly in foil or plastic |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Best for longer freshness |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap tightly and place in a freezer bag |
Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Carbs | ~30g |
| Sugar | ~18g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Protein | ~3g |
