Easy Summer Squash Bread Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this incredible recipe. It was a busy Saturday morning, and I had a house full of hungry kids begging for something sweet. I had just gotten back from the farmer’s market, and I was determined to use up the fresh produce before it went bad. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe – a perfect blend of sweet and savory that would become a staple in our household for years to come. It’s essentially a mix of traditional muffin and cake, topped with a crunchy, golden-brown streusel that’s impossible to resist. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a pinch of patience. So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, look no further!

What is this recipe?

Think of this recipe as a marriage between a classic muffin and a decadent cake. It’s essentially a moist and flavorful cake topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a pinch of patience. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or afternoons when you need a sweet pick-me-up. And the streusel? It’s the perfect addition – crunchy, golden, and utterly irresistible. Trust me on this one…

Why you’ll love this recipe?

This recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking for a new breakfast or brunch option. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is absolute perfection, and the streusel on top is the icing on the cake (or should I say, the muffin?). What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a pinch of patience. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a new favorite – and once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

How do I make this recipe?

Quick Overview

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a pinch of patience. Simply mix together the dry ingredients, then add in the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, then top with the streusel mixture and bake until golden brown. That’s it! This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or afternoons when you need a sweet pick-me-up. And the streusel? It’s the perfect addition – crunchy, golden, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Streusel:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the diced strawberries to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Add the diced strawberries to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Prepare the streusel mixture by combining the flour, sugar, cold butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin. Top each muffin with a spoonful of the streusel mixture. Use a spatula or knife to create a swirly design on top of each muffin.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with the glaze of your choice (such as powdered sugar or maple syrup).

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the muffins in half and serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

This recipe is perfect for serving with a variety of beverages, from hot coffee to cold milk. You can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. Here are a few of our favorite serving suggestions:

For Breakfast: Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea, and a side of fresh fruit.

For Brunch: Serve with a side of hash browns or roasted vegetables, and a dollop of whipped cream.

As Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of caramel sauce.

For Cozy Snacks: Serve with a cup of hot tea or a side of chocolate chips.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Recipe

Here are a few of our top tips for perfecting your recipe:

Zucchini Prep: Make sure to grate the zucchini on the large side of the grater for the best texture. You can also use a food processor to shred the zucchini for a finer texture.

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. Stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined.

Swirl Customization: Experiment with different swirl patterns to create a unique look. You can also use a pastry bag to pipe the streusel mixture onto the muffins.

Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a different texture. You can also use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a dairy-free option.

Baking Tips: Make sure to bake the muffins at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time. You can also use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Glaze Variations: Experiment with different types of glaze, such as powdered sugar or maple syrup, for a unique flavor. You can also add a few drops of extract, such as vanilla or almond, for added flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here are a few of our top tips for storing and reheating your muffins:

Room Temperature: Store the muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily.

Freezer Instructions: Store the muffins in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. You can also store them in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.

Glaze Timing Advice: Make sure to apply the glaze just before serving, as it can become soggy if left on for too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 ratio and adjust the liquid content accordingly.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, you can leave the skin on the zucchini for added nutrition and texture. Simply grate the zucchini on the large side of the grater and proceed with the recipe.
Can I make this as muffins instead?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe as muffins instead of a cake. Simply pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar to the recipe. Simply reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons to make a less sweet cake, or add an additional tablespoon or two to make it sweeter.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
You can substitute the glaze with a powdered sugar glaze or a maple syrup glaze for a different flavor. Simply whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or maple syrup) until smooth and adjust the consistency as needed.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

This recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking for a new breakfast or brunch option. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is absolute perfection, and the streusel on top is the icing on the cake (or should I say, the muffin?). What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a pinch of patience. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a new favorite – and once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Zucchini Bread

Make yourself a loaf of delicious healthy zucchini bread made with 100% whole grains, all-natural sugar, and no butter!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup coarsely shredded zucchini moisture removed
  • 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 0.25 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 large eggs eggs
  • 0.5 cup plain (unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk))

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. First, preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and whisk the ingredients together. Set aside.
  3. Using a stand mixer, add the brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup to the mixing bowl and mix on medium/high speed until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the applesauce and eggs and mix again until combined.
  5. Next, add the almond milk and mix.
  6. Slowly add the dry ingredients (including the zucchini) to the wet ingredients and mix to combine.
  7. Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Rotate the loaf pan to 180º and bake for another 20-30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out almost clean (it will continue to cook in the pan).
  9. Let cool for a few minutes before running the edges along the outside of the bread and pan (if needed) and gently pull up on the parchment paper. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Yes, we do leave the skin on zucchini for zucchini bread. It adds great color, nutrition, and it's a lot less hearty of skin compared to other vegetables! If you're not a fan of zucchini skin, feel free to leave it off!

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