How to make Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread
Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread is a simple and delicious recipe created by award-winning chef and celebrity, Ina Garten. This sweet and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as an accompaniment to a variety of other dishes. Zucchini adds a unique flavor and texture to the bread, while the addition of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor.
In the world of baking, there are few recipes as beloved as Barefoot Contessa’s zucchini bread. With its moist, tender crumb and rich, nutty flavor, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the bounty of summer’s zucchini harvest. But what makes this recipe truly special is the unexpected addition of a secret ingredient: ground nutmeg.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves
Calories per serving: 250
Ingredients:
- 3 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans. Then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. This is an important step, as it helps guarantee the bread does not stick to the pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the grated zucchini, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture.
- Add the chopped nuts, if using, and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool the loaves in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
In conclusion Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread Recipe
At first glance, it might seem strange to add a warm, spicy note to a sweet bread like zucchini bread. But the nutmeg brings out the natural sweetness of the zucchini and gives the bread a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. Combined with the subtle crunch of chopped walnuts and the gentle warmth of cinnamon, it creates a symphony of flavors that is both complex and comforting.
One of the keys to this recipe’s success is the use of grated zucchini, which is folded into the batter to add moisture and texture. But don’t be fooled by its unassuming appearance—this vegetable is packed with flavor and nutrients. When grated, the zucchini releases its natural juices, which are absorbed by the bread and help to keep it moist and tender. And because zucchini is relatively mild in flavor, it pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, from sweet to savory.
But it’s not just the ingredients that make this zucchini bread so special—it’s the technique as well. Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, recommends grating the zucchini on the coarse side of a box grater and then squeezing out the excess moisture with a clean towel. This ensures that the bread will be perfectly moist without being too dense or soggy.
Another important step is to let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the crumb to set, resulting in a loaf that is both tender and sliceable. And while this recipe is delicious on its own, it also pairs well with a range of toppings and accompaniments, from cream cheese frosting to a dollop of whipped cream.
In the end, Barefoot Contessa’s zucchini bread is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and classic baking techniques. With its warm, comforting flavor and tender texture, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer and enjoy a slice of something truly special. So the next time you find yourself with a surplus of zucchini, why not give this beloved recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread is certainly a crowd-pleaser. Its sweet, moist texture, and unique flavor created by the inclusion of zucchini, spices, and vanilla, make it an ideal companion to coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. Plus, it is simple and quick to make. So go ahead and give Ina Gartenâs Barefoot Contessa Zucchini Bread a shot â you wonât be disappointed!
Also Read:
Olga’s Snackers Copycat Recipe
Copycat Panera Bread Sierra Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Banana Nut Bread
Homemade Bagel Recipe
