This moist quick bread combines grated zucchini, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans for a tender loaf with gentle sweetness, warm cinnamon notes, and a pleasingly textured crumb.
This moist quick bread combines grated zucchini, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans for a tender loaf with gentle sweetness, warm cinnamon notes, and a pleasingly textured crumb.
Ingredients
2cupslightly packed shredded zucchiniwith excess liquid squeezed out
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
3cupsall-purpose flour
1cuppacked light or dark brown sugar
8ouncescrushed pineapplethoroughly drained
1/2teaspoonbaking powder
3large eggsbrought to room temperature
3/4cupchopped pecans
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1cupgranulated sugar
2teaspoonsbaking soda
1teaspoonsalt
1cupunsalted buttermelted
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment as well to ensure the loaves release cleanly after baking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is evenly blended. Form a well in the center.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, room-temperature eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the wet mixture into the center of the dry ingredients and stir gently, stopping when only a few traces of flour remain.
Step 4: Fold in the grated zucchini, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. Mix only until the batter is evenly combined and the add-ins are distributed throughout.
Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula so the surface is level.
Step 6: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the loaves are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Let the breads rest in their pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool completely on the rack before slicing.
Notes
For best texture, be sure the pineapple is well drained and the zucchini has been gently squeezed to remove excess moisture. Room-temperature eggs help the batter blend more smoothly.