Sweet Zucchini Banana Bread (Great Way To Use Leftover Zucchini!)

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With gorgeous green flecks of zucchini shreds and the sweet taste of perfectly ripe bananas, this delicious sweet zucchini banana bread is so easy to make at home and is ready in under an hour!

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As I’m barreling towards the last trimester of this pregnancy with our third baby, my brain is thinking of food all day. I can’t seem to get enough and am hungry even an hour or two after we’ve eaten.

For me, that is unusual. I’m used to scarfing down tiny bits of food throughout the day as I can while working/filming/writing/mommin’, and then sitting down with my family for dinner.

But this baby…guys, this baby needs food constantly.

My belly button has even started popping out (which it has never done in my other two successful pregnancies).

And one of the foods I can’t seem to get enough of is bread.

I’m talking sandwiches (sans deli meat, of course), banana bread, pizza, you name it.

I recently shared an easy zucchini pizza boats recipe with you and there were tons of questions about what to do with the leftover zucchini that is scooped out to make the boats. And here’s my answer…

My favorite way to use the extra zucchini is to make this delicious zucchini bread recipe.

This post may contain affiliate links, however, all opinions are my own, as always. 

Healthy Zucchini Banana Bread

This banana bread has so much flavor from both the bananas and the zucchini. Anything that features zucchini is healthy in my book. And that’s because zucchini is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The main nutritional benefits of zucchini include:

• Vitamin C – helps boost the immune system
• Potassium – helps regulate blood pressure
• Fiber – aids in digestion
• Antioxidants – help protect against disease
• You can also make this bread is made with whole wheat flour which also has some amazing health benefits. These include:
• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Lowered cholesterol levels
• Reduced risk of stroke
• Improved blood sugar control

So basically, this bread is a powerhouse of nutrition and it tastes great too! And did I mention that it’s easy to make?

Let’s get to the recipe!

It’s sure to slay your morning (and pregnancy) hunger pains.

You May Also Like: Zucchini Pizza Boats – Ready In 25 Minutes!

 

How to Make Zucchini Banana Bread

Making banana zucchini bread is super simple and only requires one bowl! It fills the whole house with such a delicious, comforting aroma and is perfect for satisfying those pregnancy cravings.

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (heaping) tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1 cup of shredded zucchini
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

All of these ingredients, as well as the instructions for making the recipe, are at the bottom of the post. Feel free to print the recipe for easier shopping, prep, and baking!

You’ll also need:

• measuring spoons
• measuring cup
• mixing bowl
• spiralizer or grater (to shred zucchini)
• loaf pan
• fork
• toothpicks
• and some hungry bellies to help you devour this delicious banana bread!

Mash the bananas with a fork in a medium-sized mixing bowl, and add in the liquid ingredients (vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and egg).

Mix with a fork until fully combined.

Add in the dry ingredients, and mix until blended. Be careful not to overmix.

Then, fold in the shredded zucchini.

I spiralized the zucchini (here’s the exact spiralizer I own, it works great and has several different blades to work with) and then chopped it with a chef’s knife.

You could also use a cheese grater to get the job done faster.

This was just a personal choice, as I always end up grating the skin on my hands when using our grater ;).

I wanted to mention my process, though, because it might also be the best option for you to shred your zucchini!

I also do not peel the skin from my zucchini before spiralizing/shredding/grating it. I love the bright flecks of green color coming through in the bread. 

Lightly grease your loaf pan with a small smear of vegetable oil – I like to rub my pan down with a paper towel and vegetable oil to ensure a light, even coat.

Bake your bread in a greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Check on bread at the 50-minute mark with a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready to be removed from the oven!

If the toothpick isn’t clean when removed from the bread’s center, cook an additional 5-10 until it comes out clean.

This cooking time will all depend on the age and functionality of your oven. Our oven is a little older and needs extra time to preheat and cook our food. 

I tried to cut a slice on one end (pictured above to the left) before getting pictures of the whole loaf, so excuse that weird part of the picture ;).

When done, remove bread from the pan, take pictures, and enjoy!

This bread is light but filling, with plenty of delicious flavor between the cinnamon and sweet bananas.

The zucchini takes on the flavors around it and blends in perfectly, offering no more than a colorful confetti effect through the baked loaf.

Zucchini Banana Bread Ideas

Make banana zucchini muffins for a bite-size snack or make them into mini loaf banana bread treats for a great homemade gifts or to freeze for later!

Follow the recipe as directed but bake in greased muffin tins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of a muffin.

For mini loaves, divide batter evenly between three greased mini loaf pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of a mini loaf.

This banana bread is freezer-friendly! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter or reheat frozen slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

I hope you enjoy this healthier zucchini banana bread recipe as much as my family does!

Related: Easy Homemade Banana Bread Recipe (Without Butter)

Have you tried zucchini banana bread before? Let me know in the comments below!

*Post originally published Nov. 2019, last updated June 2022.