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
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
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and whisk the ingredients together. Set aside.
- 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.
- Add the applesauce and eggs and mix again until combined.
- Next, add the almond milk and mix.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients (including the zucchini) to the wet ingredients and mix to combine.
- Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- 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).
- 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.
