Table of Contents: Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
There’s something incredibly comforting about quick breads, especially when they strike the perfect balance between moist texture and bright flavor. Glazed lemon zucchini bread is a delicious twist on the classic, bringing together the earthy freshness of zucchini with the vibrant zing of lemon. Whether you’re baking for brunch, gifting a homemade treat, or looking to use up summer zucchini, this bread is a must-try.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from ingredient tips to troubleshooting sticky or gummy loaves. You’ll also get expert advice on how to glaze like a pro and tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Don’t miss our FAQ section and tasty variations near the end.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Peach Ice Cream – The Best 9-Step Guide to Creamy Homemade Flavor for a refreshing pairing.
What Is Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread?
– A Flavorful Twist on Classic Zucchini Bread
Traditional zucchini bread is already a favorite in many kitchens thanks to its moist texture and ease of preparation. But when you add lemon juice, zest, and a drizzle of glaze on top, something magical happens. The citrus not only brightens the flavor but also balances the earthiness of the zucchini.
This bread bridges the gap between dessert and breakfast. It’s light, yet indulgent—sweet, but not too sweet. The zucchini keeps it soft, while the lemon brings freshness in every bite.
– Why Lemon Glaze Makes All the Difference
The lemon glaze isn’t just decoration—it’s the flavor booster that elevates this recipe from good to unforgettable. Made with lemon juice, powdered sugar, and sometimes a touch of zest or vanilla, this simple topping seals in moisture while adding a glossy, bakery-style finish.
Ingredients That Make It Perfect
– Must-Have Ingredients for Moisture and Flavor
To get the ideal moist zucchini bread, you need to start with quality ingredients. Here’s a basic list for success:
Ingredient | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Grated Zucchini | Adds moisture and body |
Lemon Zest & Juice | Provides bright citrus flavor |
All-Purpose Flour | Offers structure |
Eggs | Bind the batter |
Oil (vegetable or coconut) | Helps retain moisture |
Sugar (white or a mix of brown) | Sweetens and browns the loaf |
Baking Powder & Soda | Leavening agents for lift |
Vanilla Extract | Adds warm depth to the flavor |
– Healthier Swaps and Gluten-Free Alternatives
Want a healthier spin? Try these swaps:
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup for refined sugar
- Greek yogurt or applesauce for part of the oil
- Almond or oat flour with xanthan gum for gluten-free versions
- Flax eggs for an egg-free, vegan-friendly version
Discover great ideas like the Grilled Peaches – The Ultimate Summer Dessert for more creative twists using fruit in baking.
How to Prepare Zucchini for Baking
– Do You Peel Zucchini for Zucchini Bread?
Nope! The zucchini’s thin skin softens during baking and adds both color and nutrition. Plus, it’s less work—just wash thoroughly and trim the ends.
– How to Grate, Drain, and Store Zucchini Properly
- Use the fine side of a box grater for best texture
- Press or squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean towel to remove excess water
- If prepping ahead, store grated zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
Check out the Perfect Sautéed Zucchini Recipe if you have extra zucchini to use up after baking.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
– Mixing the Batter Just Right
Mixing is key in any quick bread. Combine wet and dry ingredients separately before gently folding them together. Overmixing activates the gluten and results in a tough loaf.
- Whisk eggs, oil, vanilla, lemon zest, and sugar until creamy
- Add grated zucchini
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, soda, and salt
- Combine wet and dry just until incorporated—no streaks of flour
– Baking Temperature, Pan Tips, and Doneness Test
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Use a greased 9×5 loaf pan or line with parchment
- Bake for 50–60 minutes
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs
- Let it cool completely before glazing
Crafting the Perfect Lemon Glaze

– Ingredients and Ratios for Tangy Sweetness
Here’s a quick glaze recipe:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional: ½ tsp vanilla or 1 tsp lemon zest
Adjust the thickness by adding more sugar (for thicker glaze) or more juice (for a drizzle effect).
– Tips for Applying the Glaze Without a Mess
- Place your loaf on a wire rack with parchment underneath
- Use a spoon to drizzle or pour slowly from a measuring cup
- Let the glaze set for 20–30 minutes before slicing
Don’t miss our Peach Fritter Recipe – The Best Summer Dessert for another fruit-glazed delight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
– Why Your Zucchini Bread Turns Out Gummy or Sticky
Common causes:
- Too much zucchini (excess water not drained)
- Underbaking
- Overmixing the batter
Make sure your zucchini is well-drained, and always use the toothpick test before removing the loaf from the oven.
– Overmixing, Too Much Moisture, and Baking Soda Aftertaste
Using too much baking soda can cause a metallic or bitter taste. Always level off your measuring spoon. Mix evenly to avoid clumps of leavening.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Freezing Tips
– How Long Does Lemon Zucchini Bread Last?
- Room temp: 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Fridge: Up to 7 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months
– Best Ways to Store It Without Losing Freshness
Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then foil. Label and date before freezing. To thaw, leave on the counter overnight or microwave individual slices.
Looking for something longer-lasting? Don’t miss our Instant Pot Peach Jam Recipe Without Pectin.
Nutritional Value and Dietary Info: Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
– How Many Calories in Lemon Zucchini Bread?
Most glazed lemon zucchini bread slices contain 160 to 220 calories, depending on oil, sugar, and glaze quantity.
– Fiber, Fat, Sugar, and Protein Breakdown
Nutrient | Amount (approx. per slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 190 |
Sugar | 14g |
Fat | 8g |
Fiber | 2g |
Protein | 3g |
Delicious Variations to Try
– Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread
Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a bakery-style twist. Finish with a lemon glaze and sprinkle with extra seeds on top.
– Mini Loaves, Muffins, and Vegan Versions
- Mini loaves: Reduce bake time to 30–35 minutes
- Muffins: Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes
- Vegan: Swap eggs for flaxseed eggs, and use dairy-free yogurt and milk in glaze
People Also Ask: Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread

– How many calories are in lemon zucchini bread?
A slice typically ranges between 160 to 220 calories, depending on ingredients and glaze thickness.
– Why is my zucchini bread sticky?
This usually happens when zucchini isn’t drained properly or the bread is underbaked.
– Why does my zucchini bread taste like baking soda?
Too much baking soda or uneven mixing can cause this. Always follow the measurements and mix thoroughly.
– When making zucchini bread, do you use the skin?
Yes! The skin is tender and nutritious—no need to peel zucchini before grating.
Conclusion: Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
Glazed lemon zucchini bread isn’t just a summer treat—it’s a year-round favorite for its rich texture and vibrant flavor. With the right ingredients and tips, you’ll bake a loaf that’s moist, zesty, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings out the best of citrus and garden produce.
Don’t miss our Grilled Peaches – The Ultimate Summer Dessert for another seasonal favorite.
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Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist, tangy, and perfectly sweet, this glazed lemon zucchini bread is the perfect summer treat bursting with citrus flavor and hidden veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour, or all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup canola oil, or vegetable oil
- 1⅓ cups sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh zucchini and don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds a big punch of citrus flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: glazed lemon zucchini bread, lemon bread, zucchini dessert, summer bread