Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers! Let’s talk about a sanity-saving solution for getting those veggies into our families: Greek yogurt zucchini bread! I know, I know, zucchini bread has been around forever, but adding Greek yogurt? Total nutrition game-changer.
This recipe is a cherished part of my family’s wellness journey. It’s how I manage to sneak extra nutrients into a treat that everyone actually loves. It’s moist, delicious, and secretly packed with goodness.
If you’re a busy mom like me, searching for simple ways to boost your family’s nutrition, then you’re in the right place. Let’s bake up some deliciousness together!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Trust me, this Greek yogurt zucchini bread ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for our Greek yogurt zucchini bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the zucchini bread recipe rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works with the baking soda for a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A touch of spice that complements the zucchini.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the deal, but feel free to reduce slightly!
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses and extra moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: This is my little secret for adding moisture and reducing the amount of oil needed in this healthy zucchini bread.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Adds tenderness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The star of the show! Adds protein, moisture, and a lovely tang. Opt for full-fat or low-fat, whatever you have on hand. This is what makes this Greek yogurt zucchini bread so moist!
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups shredded zucchini: Don’t peel it! The peel adds extra nutrients.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch. My family gets extra nutrition when I add these!
Here’s a Greek yogurt zucchini bread nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I sometimes add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal for an extra boost of omega-3s! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Greek yogurt zucchini bread proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s get our aprons on and bake some Greek yogurt zucchini bread! I’m going to walk you through each step like we’re cooking together in my chaotic kitchen.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking, so your nutritious Greek yogurt zucchini bread comes out perfectly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t skip this step; it’s key to a moist zucchini bread.
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, oil, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. This is where that Greek yogurt zucchini bread magic starts!
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough zucchini bread recipe.
- Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and nuts (if using). This is where you can get the kids involved! In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Greek yogurt zucchini bread usually takes about 5 minutes to prep with little helpers.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. My oven tends to run a little cool, so I usually go closer to 60 minutes. Your Greek yogurt zucchini bread should smell nourishing by now! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the healthy zucchini bread from getting soggy. Don’t worry if your Greek yogurt zucchini bread looks a little cracked on top; it’s still going to be delicious!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Greek yogurt zucchini bread – I’d always overbake it! Now I set a timer for 50 minutes and check it frequently after that. Learn from my experience!
While your Greek yogurt zucchini bread is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! You’re providing them with a delicious and wholesome treat. For an easy zucchini bread recipe, this is a total win.
Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread – Sally’s Baking
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this nutritious Greek yogurt zucchini bread when I serve it with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of berries. It makes a surprisingly satisfying and nutritious breakfast!
This Greek yogurt zucchini bread is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I slice it up and pack it in lunchboxes with a side of carrot sticks and a hard-boiled egg. It’s also a great snack to have on hand for after-school hunger pangs.
For a special occasion, I’ll slice the healthy zucchini bread, toast it lightly, and serve it with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. My guests always rave about it!
Leftovers (if there are any!) are great toasted and topped with avocado for a savory twist. Or, crumble it up and use it as a topping for yogurt parfaits. No food waste here! This moist zucchini bread can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
In the fall, I add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a seasonal variation. It’s like a Greek yogurt zucchini bread hug in every bite! I’ve even added chocolate chips for an extra-special treat – it’s all about balance, right? One of our favorite variations of this easy zucchini bread!
Recipe for Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get from fellow moms about my Greek yogurt zucchini bread!
Is this Greek yogurt zucchini bread really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium, the zucchini provides vitamins and fiber, and the nuts (if you use them) offer healthy fats. It’s a much better option than many store-bought snacks that are loaded with sugar and processed ingredients.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Greek yogurt zucchini bread?
Don’t give up! Sometimes it takes multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food. Try calling it “green bread” or cutting it into fun shapes. You can also add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to make it more appealing. Another option is to let them help you make it! Kids are often more likely to try something they’ve helped create. My experience is that even picky eaters will enjoy this moist zucchini bread.
Can I meal prep this Greek yogurt zucchini bread for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! This Greek yogurt zucchini bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can, but the texture will be a bit denser. I recommend using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for the best results. Whole wheat flour is a great way to add fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat flour can make your healthy zucchini bread even healthier!
I don’t have Greek yogurt. Can I use something else?
You can substitute sour cream or plain yogurt, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. The Greek yogurt really adds a lovely tang and moisture to this zucchini bread recipe.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that they will add a different flavor.
My zucchini bread is always soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Make sure you squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible from the shredded zucchini before adding it to the batter. You can do this by placing the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing. Also, be sure not to overmix the batter.
If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for my Ravioli Soup. This Greek yogurt zucchini bread reminds me of another family-healthy favorite. You may also want to check out this recipe for Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup.
Healthy Zucchini Bread [The BEST EVER!] – Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Final Thoughts:
This Greek yogurt zucchini bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a small victory in the daily battle to nourish our families. It’s a simple way to sneak in some extra nutrients and create a treat that everyone will love. It supports my family’s nutrition goals because it makes a healthy snack or breakfast easy to grab and go.
My Greek yogurt zucchini bread Nutrition Hacks:
- Add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal: For an extra boost of omega-3s.
- Use unsweetened applesauce: To reduce the amount of oil needed.
- Don’t peel the zucchini: The peel adds extra nutrients and fiber.
Here are a few family-tested variations:
- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. My youngest loves this version!
- Lemon Zucchini Bread: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter. This adds a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Spiced Zucchini Bread: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter.
Remember, this easy zucchini bread is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own family-favorite recipe. My oldest loves the spiced version!
For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out my Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits recipe.
I hope this Greek yogurt zucchini bread brings as much joy and nourishment to your family as it has to mine. You’ve got this, mama! Keep baking and keep nourishing! 💕
Greek yogurt zucchini bread
This Greek yogurt zucchini bread is moist, flavorful, and a healthier twist on a classic. The addition of Greek yogurt adds protein and a delicious tang, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 servings)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the grated zucchini and nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. Serve warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt.