Looking for a delicious snack or breakfast option that’s both nutritious and packed with protein? This Protein-Packed Zucchini Bread is the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and flavour. It’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet while indulging in a moist, slightly sweet treat. With added protein powder, this zucchini bread can help fuel your day and keep you satisfied for longer.
Why You'll Love This Zucchini Bread
- High Protein: Each slice is packed with protein to help support muscle growth and recovery, making it an excellent post-workout snack or protein-rich breakfast.
- Moist and Flavourful: The zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, keeping the bread soft and tender without overpowering the flavour.
- Wholesome Ingredients: With whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, this zucchini bread is a healthier alternative to traditional recipes.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a great way to sneak veggies into a snack or breakfast that kids will love.
- Customisable: Add your favourite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to make it your own.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Thanks to the protein powder, Greek yogurt, and eggs, this bread delivers a protein boost to help build and repair muscles.
- Nutrient-Dense: Zucchini is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, making this bread not just tasty but also full of nutrients.
- Low in Refined Sugar: Using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup helps keep the sugar content lower while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Fibre-Rich: Whole wheat flour and zucchini add fibre to this recipe, promoting healthy digestion and keeping you full longer.
Customisation Ideas
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dark chocolate chips for a sweet treat without the guilt.
- Go Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates add a natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a spicier flavour profile.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bread
- Use Fresh Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini works best for this recipe, adding moisture and subtle flavour to the bread.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the centre of the loaf to check if it’s done. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid it falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Enjoy a slice of protein-packed zucchini bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of almond butter for a hearty breakfast.
- Snack: Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up that satisfies hunger and your sweet tooth.
- Post-Workout Fuel: This bread is a great source of carbs and protein, making it an ideal post-workout snack to help with muscle recovery.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- In the Fridge: Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply warm it up in the microwave for a quick snack or breakfast.
- Freezing: Slice the loaf and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm up in the microwave.
Why It's a Great Choice
This Protein-Packed Zucchini Bread is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while enjoying a tasty, high-protein treat. Whether you're looking for a healthier snack, breakfast, or post-workout fuel, this recipe is versatile, customisable, and meal-prep friendly. Plus, it's a great option for families and picky eaters who might shy away from veggies – they'll never even know the zucchini is in there!
Enjoy the benefits of this delicious and nutritious bread, and feel good about fuelling your body with a wholesome, protein-packed treat!
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 180–200 kcal
- Protein: 10–12g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25g
- Fibre: 3–4g
- Fat: 8–10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sugars: 8–10g (from natural sweeteners and zucchini)
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini 🥒 (use a cheese grater to finely grate the zucchini)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour 🌾 (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 scoop (about 30g) protein powder 💪 (vanilla or unflavoured works best)
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 🥣 (or applesauce for a dairy-free option)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup 🍯
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil 🥥
- 1 teaspoon baking soda 🌟
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 🌿
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon 🍂 (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿 (optional for added flavour)
- Pinch of salt 🧂
- Optional: Dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit 🍫🌰🍇
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Grate the Zucchini: Using a cheese grater, finely grate the zucchini. If the zucchini is too watery, you can squeeze out some excess moisture using a clean towel, but leaving a little moisture helps keep the bread soft.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, stir in the melted coconut oil.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Fold in the Zucchini: Gently fold the grated zucchini into the wet ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Add Mix-Ins: If you're adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit, gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the loaf with aluminium foil halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the zucchini bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or store for later!
Tips
Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Ensure you squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent the bread from becoming too moist.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, zucchini, and high-quality protein powder will enhance the flavour and texture of your bread.
Customize: Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavour.
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