Table of Contents: Vegan Zucchini Bread
Vegan Zucchini Bread
Introduction to the Vegan Zucchini Bread Craze
Vegan zucchini bread is more than just a delicious, moist treat—it’s a healthful, plant-based twist on a classic recipe that’s taken home kitchens by storm. Packed with nutrients and flavor, this bread is loved by vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re trying to sneak vegetables into your breakfast or just enjoy a cozy slice with coffee, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the best vegan zucchini bread from scratch.
Discover great ideas like the perfect sautéed zucchini recipe to pair with savory meals while you’re at it.
Let’s get into it!
What is Vegan Zucchini Bread?
A Veggie-Packed Bread That Surprises You
Vegan zucchini bread is a sweet, moist loaf made with grated zucchini and completely free of animal products. Instead of eggs and dairy, it uses plant-based ingredients like flaxseed, almond milk, or applesauce to deliver that same indulgent texture without the guilt.
What makes it unique? Zucchini acts as a moisture powerhouse, providing a tender crumb while staying invisible in the flavor department. That’s right—most people can’t even tell they’re eating vegetables.
The Origin of Zucchini Bread and Its Vegan Evolution
Traditional zucchini bread dates back to the 1960s and ’70s, during the home-baking and gardening boom. With excess garden zucchini and a movement toward healthier home-cooked meals, clever bakers invented zucchini bread as a way to reduce waste and boost nutrition.
As plant-based lifestyles grew in popularity, it was only a matter of time before vegans reimagined the recipe—cutting out eggs, milk, and butter while keeping all the goodness intact.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
Core Ingredients for the Best Vegan Zucchini Bread
To get the ideal flavor and texture, quality ingredients matter. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Purpose |
---|---|
Grated zucchini | Adds moisture & fiber |
All-purpose or whole wheat flour | Base structure |
Maple syrup or coconut sugar | Natural sweetness |
Ground flaxseed + water | Egg replacement |
Baking soda & powder | Leavening for rise |
Almond milk or oat milk | Keeps it moist |
Vanilla extract | Adds depth |
Cinnamon & nutmeg | Warm, cozy flavor |
Substitutes for Common Allergens
If you’re gluten-free or nut-free, you’ve got options:
- Flour substitute: Use almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Nut milk substitute: Swap almond milk with oat, soy, or coconut milk.
- Sugar alternatives: Try date syrup, agave, or even mashed banana.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Zucchini Bread
Prepping Your Zucchini and Mixing the Batter
The key to success? Don’t skip these steps:
- Grate the zucchini finely using a box grater.
- Squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean towel to avoid soggy bread.
- Prepare flax eggs: Mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed with 5 tablespoons of water. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, spices.
- Mix wet ingredients: oil, plant milk, sweetener, vanilla.
- Combine wet & dry, fold in the grated zucchini last.
Baking Tips for Texture & Rise
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
Why Vegan Zucchini Bread is So Popular
Health Benefits of Baking with Zucchini
Zucchini is a secret nutritional hero:
- High in antioxidants and fiber
- Low in calories, perfect for weight-conscious eaters
- Adds moisture without fat or dairy
- Rich in potassium, Vitamin C, and B vitamins
Vegan Appeal: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free & Delicious
Even non-vegans adore this recipe. Why?
- It fits dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste
- It’s cholesterol-free, heart-healthy, and easy on digestion
- Great for vegan kids and adults alike
- You can easily make it refined sugar-free or oil-free
Troubleshooting Your Zucchini Bread

Why Doesn’t My Zucchini Bread Rise?
Several issues can cause a flat loaf:
- Expired baking soda or powder: Check the date
- Overmixing the batter: Stir until just combined
- Too much moisture: Always squeeze out zucchini
- Wrong oven temp: Always use a thermometer to verify
Fixing Soggy, Dense, or Dry Texture
- If it’s soggy, reduce moisture or add more flour
- If it’s dry, add more plant milk or zucchini
- If it’s dense, lighten your batter with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar
Check out this Peach Fritter Recipe if you’re in the mood for another easy, fruity baked treat.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Ideas
What Goes Well with Vegan Zucchini Bread?
Pair it with:
- Coffee or herbal tea
- Vegan butter or nut butter
- Fresh fruit or compote
- Plant-based yogurt
It’s a great addition to brunch boards, lunchboxes, or as an afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Serve & Store Leftovers
- Toast slices and add cinnamon sugar
- Turn it into vegan French toast
- Make a dessert parfait with plant yogurt and fruit
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil and reheat as needed
Variations You Can Try
Gluten-Free, Chocolate Chip, and Nutty Versions
Mix it up with:
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Swap flour with almond or oat flour
- Add shredded apple or carrot for extra flavor
Mini Loaves, Muffins & More
You can bake the same batter into:
- Mini loaves (bake 30–35 mins)
- Muffins (bake 20–25 mins)
- Bundt pan for a cake-like finish
Nutrition, Storage, and Shelf Life
Calories, Macros, and Nutritional Info
One slice (out of 10):
- ~180–220 calories
- 4g protein
- 3g fiber
- 9g fat (depending on oil/nuts used)
- ~12g sugar (if using maple syrup)
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Up to 2 days in an airtight container
- Fridge: Up to 5–6 days, wrapped tightly
- Freezer: Up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for grab-and-go ease
Don’t miss our Peach Ice Cream Guide—perfect as a summer topping on warm zucchini bread.
People Also Ask: Vegan Zucchini Bread

Why do people like zucchini bread?
It’s moist, sweet, and flavorful while offering hidden veggies. The mild taste of zucchini allows for creative add-ins like nuts or chocolate, making it a hit for all ages.
Why doesn’t my zucchini bread rise?
Likely culprits: expired baking powder/soda, too much moisture, or overmixing. Always measure accurately and don’t forget to preheat the oven.
Why did people start making zucchini bread?
Home gardeners needed ways to use excess zucchini. It became a wholesome, fiber-rich solution during the health food movement of the ’70s.
What goes well with zucchini bread?
Coffee, tea, vegan butter, fruit compote, or even vanilla ice cream. It’s incredibly versatile for snacks, brunches, or desserts.
Conclusion
Vegan zucchini bread is easy to love and even easier to bake. With just a few pantry staples and one good zucchini, you can whip up a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you go classic or add your favorite twists, this plant-based bread is here to stay.
Looking for inspiration? Try our grilled peach recipe for another creative plant-based dessert idea.
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Vegan Zucchini Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Moist, sweet, and perfectly spiced vegan zucchini bread packed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom
- 1 heaping cup shredded zucchini (1 medium zucchini)
- ½ cup walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded zucchini and walnuts.
- 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 cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Make sure to squeeze excess moisture out of the zucchini before adding to the batter for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan zucchini bread, dairy-free, eggless, zucchini dessert