This easy lemon zucchini bread comes together with simple baking staples and is ready in just 1 hour! It’s moist, tender, and loaded with flecks of zucchini and lemon zest so every delicious bite has a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus with plenty of grated zucchini for moisture. It’s the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert any day of the week!
To a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and then zest the lemon into the bowl. Use your hands to squeeze the lemon zest into the sugar. The warmth of your hand infuses the lemon flavor into the sugar.
3/4 cup granulated white sugar, zest of 1 lemon
Pour the vegetable oil into the sugar mixture and use a hand mixer on medium to beat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
1/2 cup canola oil
Add in the eggs and continue beating for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice and vanilla and beat until fully combined.
Pour in the flour mixture and use a spatula to stir until just combined (no white remaining).
Add the grated zucchini and stir until evenly distributed.
1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool for 2 minutes in the pan and then use the parchment paper overhang to lift the loaf from the pan and set it on a cooling rack to finish cooling.
To make the glaze:
To a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
Pour the glaze over the top of the bread and allow to set, approximately 20 minutes.
Slice into 12 slices and serve.
Notes
Swap oil for melted butter for a denser texture.
Rub lemon zest into sugar with your hands—this releases essential oils.
For a thinner glaze, use 3 Tbsp lemon juice; for milder flavor, mix juice with water.
Line loaf pan with overhanging parchment for easy removal.
Don’t squeeze zucchini unless it’s overly wet—test and adjust as needed.
Grate zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
Freezes well—make two loaves and save one for later!
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.