If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic zucchini bread, this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. I absolutely love how the fresh blueberries add bursts of juicy sweetness that perfectly complement the moist, tender texture from the zucchini. Whenever I bake this, it feels like a little celebration in every bite—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
What makes this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe truly special is how well it balances healthy ingredients with indulgent flavors. The zucchini keeps the bread moist without needing a ton of oil, and the cinnamon adds a cozy warmth I find irresistible. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, meal prep, or just a lazy weekend treat, this recipe delivers every time with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: Blueberries keep every slice juicy with natural sweetness, no extra sugar needed.
- Moist & Tender Texture: Zucchini adds moisture and a subtle veggie boost without overpowering the bread.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps — just simple mixing and baking.
- Perfect Anytime Snack: This bread suits breakfast, afternoon tea, lunchboxes, or even dessert cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe plays a key role, giving you that perfect balance of taste and texture. When shopping, try to pick fresh, firm zucchini and ripe blueberries for the best results.
- White sugar: Sweetens the bread but balances nicely with the veggies and berries.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without heaviness; feel free to use mild olive oil if you prefer.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma — don’t skip this!
- Shredded zucchini: The star ingredient for moistness and subtle veggie goodness.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bread.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice that pairs beautifully with blueberries.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Make sure your bread rises perfectly fluffy.
- Fresh blueberries: Use fresh for the best texture and flavor — frozen works in a pinch but will add extra moisture.
Variations
I love to tweak this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. The great thing is that it’s forgiving and still turns out delicious, whether I swap ingredients or add a little extra flair.
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor — my family goes crazy for this combo.
- Use frozen berries: Frozen blueberries work great if fresh ones aren’t available; just thaw and drain them slightly before folding in.
- Gluten-free option: Try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; the texture changes a bit but flavor stays just as delicious.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for extra warmth and depth.
How to Make Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by gathering everything on your counter—measuring ingredients as you go saves time. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking pans; I use mini loaf pans to make adorable little breads that everyone enjoys. If you don’t have mini pans, a standard loaf pan works just fine. The key is to prep and have everything ready before mixing!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. I like to use a silicone spatula here because it scrapes every last bit from the bowl. Then fold in the shredded zucchini. You’ll notice the batter looks thick but wonderfully moist already — that’s the zucchini doing its magic!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Blueberries
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together. Gently mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop once you see no more flour. Fold in the blueberries carefully to avoid breaking them up; those little bursts of fruit are what make this bread so special.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Divide the batter evenly among your greased loaf pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Here’s a tip I learned: if your blueberries are frozen, add a few extra minutes of baking time. Once done, cool the bread in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling is important—it helps the bread firm up and slice nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini and blueberries give the best flavor and texture — frozen can add extra moisture so adjust baking time accordingly.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep your bread tender, mix dry ingredients until just combined—some lumps are okay.
- Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking your bread at 45 minutes with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: This prevents crumbly slices and helps flavors settle perfectly.
How to Serve Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar—it’s simple but adds a lovely visual pop and a bit of sweetness. Sometimes a spread of soft cream cheese or a slather of honey butter takes it to the next level, especially for brunch or a cozy afternoon tea.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a cup of your favorite hot tea or coffee. For a more filling breakfast, add a side of Greek yogurt topped with nuts or granola; it balances the bread’s sweetness and keeps you energized all morning.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this blueberry zucchini bread as mini slices on a dessert board with fresh berries, nuts, and a variety of spreads. It’s eye-catching and guests love sampling all the flavors together. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top for an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, storing in the fridge can extend freshness for about a week, though bringing it back to room temp before eating helps flavors shine.
Freezing
This Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. I slice the loaf first, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need and thaw quickly, making it perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven wrapped in foil for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked taste and moist texture without drying out the bread.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Yes! Frozen blueberries can be used, but I recommend thawing them and gently patting them dry before folding into the batter. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure the bread cooks through.
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Do I have to peel the zucchini?
Not at all! I usually leave the skin on because it adds color and nutrients, and once shredded, it blends right into the bread. Just be sure to wash the zucchini thoroughly before shredding.
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How can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend designed for one-to-one substitution. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum can help improve structure if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
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What’s the best way to shred zucchini for this recipe?
I like to use the medium side of a box grater—it gives the zucchini just the right size so it blends into the batter while still providing moisture. After shredding, you don’t need to squeeze out the liquid; keep it as is for a moister bread.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those rare breads that’s both comforting and sneaks in a veggie boost without being complicated or gimmicky. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring it as much as I do — it’s a real crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and always makes mornings feel a bit brighter. Give it a try and watch your friends and family go nuts for this lovely blend of flavors!
PrintBlueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Blueberry Zucchini Bread combines tender shredded zucchini with juicy fresh blueberries in a spiced, sweet batter, baked to golden perfection. It’s a delightful snack or breakfast option packed with fruits and veggies, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Assemble all the ingredients needed for the blueberry zucchini bread to ensure a smooth and organized baking process.
- Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease 4 mini loaf pans to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the white sugar, vegetable oil, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Zucchini: Fold the shredded zucchini gently into the wet mixture, distributing it evenly without overmixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, beat in the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until the mixture is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Carefully fold the fresh blueberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without crushing them.
- Fill Pans: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased mini loaf pans, smoothing the tops slightly.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 20 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious blueberry zucchini bread!
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or canola oil for a different flavor profile.
- Shredded zucchini should be well drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- If mini loaf pans are unavailable, use regular loaf pans but adjust the baking time accordingly, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Fresh blueberries provide the best texture and flavor; if using frozen, do not thaw before folding into the batter to prevent bleeding.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1 mini loaf piece)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg