
I absolutely love this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe because it brings together the best of both worlds: juicy sweetness from blueberries and the moist, tender crumb thanks to zucchini. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something wholesome yet indulgent—whether it’s an easy breakfast, a cozy coffee break, or a thoughtful snack to pack for school or work.
When I first tried this recipe, I wasn’t sure how shredded zucchini would work in a fruit bread, but it adds just the right amount of moisture and subtle earthiness without overpowering the flavors. Plus, using fresh berries makes every bite burst with summer goodness, making this loaf a total crowd-pleaser at any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist without being soggy, while blueberries add a sweet pop in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge, which makes this recipe quick and accessible.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a homemade gift or a breakfast treat, this loaf always feels special.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for this bread, and it’s an easy way to sneak in veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe is how the ingredients come together to balance sweetness, moisture, and texture. Using freshly shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries makes a world of difference, so try to get the freshest produce you can.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps the bread tender and helps with moisture—I usually avoid butter here so the crumb stays soft.
- Brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and depth of flavor, perfect with cinnamon.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar sweetness and ensures the bread isn’t too dense.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs perfectly with zucchini and blueberries.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Both are used to achieve the perfect rise and light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the bread.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bread structure without weighing it down.
- Shredded zucchini: The secret to moistness—use the large holes of a box grater and don’t squeeze out the liquid.
- Fresh blueberries: For bursts of juicy sweetness; if frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid extra moisture.
Variations
I like to tweak this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe depending on the season or my mood—you’ll find that adding your favorite extras can make it even more special. Feel free to get creative with nuts, different spices, or even swaps to suit specific dietary needs.
- Nutty Delight: I often add chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch that contrasts the soft bread beautifully.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for a cozy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve had great success swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—just watch the baking time closely.
- Vegan Friendly: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a neutral oil; it comes out surprisingly good!
How to Make Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pan—either an 8×4-inch or 9×5-inch pan works fine. I like using nonstick cooking spray or rubbing a bit of butter around the edges to make sure the bread slides right out. Getting this step right helps your bread come out perfectly shaped and intact.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir lightly but thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and a little glossy. I find it easiest to use a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula for this part—no need for electric mixers here.
Step 3: Incorporate Spices and Leavening
Add the cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—try not to overmix, which can make the bread tough. This combo of leaveners ensures your loaf gets a good rise and stays fluffy inside.
Step 4: Fold in Flour, Zucchini, and Blueberries
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour; the batter will be quite thick at this point. Now, add your shredded zucchini—remember, don’t drain it! Adding the zucchini loosens up the batter nicely. Gently fold in the blueberries last, being careful not to crush them because their juices can discolor the batter. I’ve learned this fold-in step makes a big difference in preventing the berries from sinking to the bottom.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 50-60 minutes if using the 9×5-inch pan, or 55-65 minutes for the smaller 8×4-inch pan. Start checking at around 50 minutes by poking a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Once out of the oven, let it cool completely in the pan before slicing to keep everything intact.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Use Freshly Grated Zucchini: I shred zucchini fresh and avoid squeezing out moisture—the liquid is what makes the bread so tender and moist.
- Fold Blueberries Gently: To keep blueberries intact and evenly distributed, fold them in carefully last instead of stirring vigorously.
- Choose the Right Pan Size: The 8×4-inch pans yield a more domed loaf and require a few more minutes baking, so adjust time accordingly.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan to avoid a crumbly texture when slicing.
How to Serve Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a few extra fresh blueberries on top of the batter before baking—it makes the loaf look gorgeous and lets you get a burst of juicy sweetness in every slice. Sometimes, I dust a light coating of powdered sugar after cooling for a pretty finish. If I’m feeling fancy, a smear of cream cheese or a little honey butter on each slice truly elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
This bread is so versatile that it goes well with plain yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For brunch, I like pairing it with scrambled eggs or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this bread sliced thin with a dollop of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey or berry compote, turning it into a dessert-worthy treat. Wrapping slices individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming homemade gift for friends and neighbors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I store leftover bread wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and soft for about 2 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long at my house! Keeping it sealed is key to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
Freezing this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe works perfectly if you want to enjoy it later. I slice the loaf first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to toast a frozen slice lightly or microwave it wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15 seconds to recapture that fresh-baked warmth and moisture. This brings back the soft crumb and juicy blueberry pockets beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen blueberries, but make sure they are completely thawed and well-drained before adding to the batter. This helps prevent extra moisture from making the bread soggy and ensures your loaf bakes up with the perfect texture.
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Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding?
There’s no need to peel zucchini before shredding—especially since the skin holds nutrients and adds color. Just wash thoroughly and grate using the large holes of your grater. That skin will blend in nicely once baked.
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Can I substitute zucchini with another vegetable?
While zucchini is preferred for its mild flavor and moisture content, you can experiment with shredded carrots or pumpkin puree. Keep in mind these will alter the flavor and texture slightly, so it’s best to stick to zucchini when possible for this recipe.
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How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it (but no wet batter), your bread is ready. Ovens vary, so start checking at 50 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s an easy way to enjoy a sweet treat that still feels wholesome. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing it as I do—there’s something magical about that warm loaf fresh from the oven, bursting with blueberries and tender zucchini. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
PrintBlueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Zucchini Bread offers a moist, tender texture packed with fresh zucchini and bursting with sweet blueberries. It’s a delightful twist on classic zucchini bread with added fruity goodness, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (119ml) vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (186g) all-purpose flour
Produce
- 1 1/2 cups (approximately 152g) shredded zucchini
- 1 cup (136g) fresh blueberries (see note)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease either an 8×4-inch or 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter to ensure the bread will release easily after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Flour and Zucchini: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour. The batter will become thick at this stage. Then fold in the shredded zucchini which will loosen the batter, making it more pourable.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries carefully to avoid breaking them up, which helps prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. Optionally sprinkle some extra blueberries on top of the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Place in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes if using a 9×5-inch pan, or 55 to 65 minutes for an 8×4-inch pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Store: Let the bread cool in the pan before slicing or removing. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Notes
- Shred zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Do not drain or squeeze out the liquid; the moisture keeps the bread moist and tender.
- The 8×4-inch pan results in a taller, domed loaf; the 9×5-inch pan bakes a flatter loaf.
- Fold in blueberries gently to prevent sinking and consider sprinkling extra on top before baking for a pretty finish.
- Frozen blueberries can be used but must be fully thawed and drained well to avoid excess water diluting the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 238mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 41mg