With up to a cup each of oil and sugar per loaf, traditional zucchini breads may contain a vegetable, but health food they are not!
That’s why I am delighted to be able to share this recipe with you. It took me more than a few tries to produce a zucchini loaf that would be both good-for-you and great tasting, but I finally did it.
This is everything a classic zucchini bread should be—wonderfully moist, with a nice firm crumb, and infused with just the right amount of spice and nuts. And it clocks in with just 33% of the usual calories and 25% of the customary fat and sugar. Bring on the zucchini :).
One loaf – Serves 12
Ingredients
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated no calorie sweetener*
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated zucchini
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon allspice
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients, (oil through vanilla extract). Stir the grated zucchini with a large spoon, and mix until combined through vanilla extract). Stir in the grated zucchini with a large spoon, and mix until well combined.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Create a well in the center and add the zucchini mixture. Stir until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Spoon mixture into prepared pan and smooth the surface.
4. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove from pan.
*If you prefer to use all-natural Truvia for Baking, use 1/2 as much as the recipe specifies for no-calorie granulated sweetener (it’s twice as sweet). If you prefer regular sugar, omit 1/4 teaspoon of the baking soda, and plan for ~ 10 minutes more baking time.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING: (1/12) Calories 160 | Carbohydrate 25g (Sugars 8g) | Total Fat 4.5g (Sat Fat 1.5g) | Protein 4g | Fiber 1g | Cholesterol 30mg | Sodium 360mg | Food Exchanges: 1½ Starch, ½ Fat | Carbohydrate Choices: 1½ | Freestyle Smart Points: 4
