15 Mouthwatering Zucchini Bread Add-ins for the Ultimate Flavor

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Aside from the ordinary components, like flour, oil, eggs, and of course, grated zucchini, there are other zucchini bread add-ins that make it more appetizing (as if it isn’t already).

Ingredients such as chocolate, banana, apples, nuts, and much more, can take your yummy zucchini bread to a whole new level. You can also try a couple of savory additions for a change.

So, keep reading to know more about add-ins that would fully transform your zucchini bread recipe.

What Kind of Zucchini Bread Add-ins Are the Best?

People everywhere add different kinds of ingredients to upgrade their zucchini bread recipes. While some of these additions may not be so good, many of them are actually worth trying.

Here are some add-ins for you to try next time you bake a zucchini bread loaf.

Sweet Zucchini Bread Add-ins

There are hundreds of sweet ingredients you can add to your favorite zucchini bread recipe. Not only that, but you can mix and match a few of these additives too.

Check out ten of our mouth-watering suggestions.

1 – Chocolate

The best thing about chocolate zucchini bread is that it’s made with a type of vegetable.

So, whether you add cacao powder, chocolate chips, or both, you don’t feel guilty eating this amazing version of zucchini bread.

Moreover, since most people adore chocolate, you can never go wrong with adding it to the batter.

For an extra aesthetically pleasing effect, mix only half of the batter with cacao powder and keep the other half plain. Pouring both mixtures into the baking pan creates a delightful marble effect.

2 – Bananas

Not only is this version of zucchini bread delicious, but it’s also a great way to make use of those overly ripe bananas you have. It’s just like banana bread but with a hidden surprise inside.

Furthermore, if you’re feeling creative, fold a bunch of milk, dark, or white chocolate chips into the batter.

With whipped cream cheese frosting on top, this zucchini bread is going to be impressively tasty.

3 – Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a great addition to zucchini bread. With a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, you get to make a tempting fall treat to snack on with a cup of coffee.

In addition, to satisfy your sweet tooth and add an extra crunch, top the zucchini bread with a sugar-cinnamon mixture before baking.

Otherwise, adding chocolate chips to the batter never hurt anyone.

4 – Blueberries

Whether inside muffins, cakes, or bread, blueberries make any recipe exceptionally delicious. The summery, sweet flavor of those bursting fresh blueberries is like no other.

Just make sure to gently fold those blueberries into the batter and avoid stirring too hard. This way, they won’t sink to the bottom of the pan.

Additionally, if you’re using frozen blueberry bags, you should thaw and thoroughly drain those berries before adding them to the batter.

5 – Lemon

If you’re a fan of citrusy desserts, then this additive is for you. Thanks to the lemon juice and zest, lemon zucchini bread bursts with flavor.

What’s more, using olive oil in this recipe actually amplifies the lemony essence. Plus, if you add a handful of poppy seeds to the batter, the zucchini bread ends up having irresistible nuttiness.

Another suggestion is to combine lemon and fresh minced rosemary. Rosemary definitely brings out a savory note to your zucchini loaf.

6 – Pineapples

Pineapples don’t have a ton of flavor, especially when baked. However, adding them to your zucchini bread batter turns your recipe into a refreshing version with a tropical twist.

For a slightly spicy taste, nutmeg, cinnamon, and perhaps a pinch of allspice, without a doubt, go a long way.

Not only do these additions have your zucchini bread taste amazing, but they also make your house smell like it’s fall.

Moreover, you can get creative with it by throwing in half a cup of raisins or even better, dried cranberries.

7 – Apples

Chopped apples are perfect to add to your zucchini bread batter. You absolutely have to try it.

It’s also highly recommended to substitute some of the oil in the recipe with apple sauce.

Furthermore, since apple goes perfectly with cozy spices, why don’t you add a little bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice? They make your zucchini bread even more luscious.

Smudge the top with cinnamon cream cheese glaze and enjoy an unforgettable treat.

8 – Coconut

Coconut produces an overwhelming flavor to any kind of dessert. That’s why adding it to your zucchini bread recipe is something you won’t regret.

You can also play around with ingredients, such as pineapples, for a pina colada version. How about trying to sneak inside a bit of lime zest for lime coconut zucchini bread?

Either way, you’ll definitely enjoy our suggested version of coconut zucchini bread. So, give it a go.

9 – Coffee

This makes a perfect hybrid between zucchini bread and coffee cake. For an even more extraordinary taste, swirl inside some cinnamon sugar and top it with cinnamon streusel.

What’s more, this special add-in doesn’t need any extra prepping, grating, cutting, or dicing. Just use half a cup of instant coffee!

10 – Carrots

Well, we figured the list wouldn’t be complete without carrots.

If carrot cake doesn’t provide you with enough satisfaction (as if it’s possible not to), try the carrot zucchini bread for extra texture and moisture.

Many fruits go perfectly with carrots as well, like apples and pineapples. So, don’t hesitate to try mixing them both into the batter.

That said, for a change, throw in bits of candied ginger and see how heavenly your carrot zucchini bread turns out to be (and don’t forget the cream cheese frosting).

Savory Zucchini Bread Add-ins

For those who prefer salty food, savory zucchini bread is an absolute must-try. Don’t worry about the taste of zucchini, as it’s mild and eventually disappears into any recipe. Take a look at what you can add to your savory zucchini bread:

1 – Cheese

There’s nothing like making a savory pastry without having to knead a dough, and zucchini bread is no exception.

Adding different kinds of cheeses definitely upgrades how your zucchini bread tastes. Whether you like cheddar, parmesan, goat cheese, or feta, when it comes to cheese, the sky is the limit.

2 – Herbs

Another outstanding addition that would pair perfectly with cheese is herbs. So, try throwing in any of these options:

• Basil
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Dill
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Chives

What Kind of Nuts Go in Zucchini Bread?

Nuts make a great add-in to any recipe for their earthy flavor and crunchy texture. In fact, there are many kinds of nuts that go perfectly with zucchini bread, including:

• Cashews
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Pine nuts
• Macadamia nuts

Top Suggestions

Aside from the previously mentioned kinds of nuts, take a look at our top three nut suggestions to incorporate into your zucchini bread:

1 – Walnuts

Walnuts make an extraordinary addition to any baked treat. Moreover, their flavor matches most of the previously mentioned ingredients.

So, feel free to combine them with any other component.

2 – Pistachios

Just like walnut, pistachios are also used in many bakeries. That’s because their strong flavor comes through and overpowers any other additive.

Additionally, get creative and discover some of the best pistachio combos, such as lemon pistachio, cardamom pistachio, and cranberry pistachio zucchini bread.

3 – Pecans

The sweet and buttery flavor of pecans has no match. Plus, you can use them to make an outstanding praline topping for your zucchini bread.

It’s a sure thing your kids will go crazy over it.

Final Thoughts

Zucchini bread is moist, nutritious, and has hundreds of varieties, so much so that it seems like you can’t go wrong with whatever add-ins you choose.

Whether you add fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, or spices to your zucchini bread, it turns out absolutely delicious.

So, don’t be afraid to go wild with your additive choices and experiment with many ingredients. That’s how great cooks are born.

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