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:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• Optional: ½ tsp ground ginger or clove

Wet:

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups grated zucchini (unpeeled)

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (or dried cranberries*)

Optional Mix-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• 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

• Two 9×5 inch loaf pans

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk/spatula

• Grater for zucchini

• Toothpick (for doneness test)

 Time & Skill

 Instructions

 Step 1: Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease or line two 9×5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper.

3. 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

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Baking powder

   • Baking soda

   • Salt

   • Cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional spices

 Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, beat the eggs.

2. Add sugar, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

3. Stir in grated zucchini and orange zest if using.

 Step 4: Combine

1. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, stirring gently.

2. Fold in cranberries and nuts (if using).

3. Do not overmix — just until combined.

 Step 5: Bake

1. Divide batter evenly into the two prepared loaf pans.

2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Let loaves cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter or cream cheese

• Toast slices and top with a drizzle of honey

• Wrap and gift during holidays with a tag!

 Storage & Freezing

 Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate)