Heavenly Lemon Zucchini Bread with Caramel Glaze 🍋🍞✨
Looking for the perfect bake that blends brightness, moisture, and pure indulgence? Meet your new obsession: Lemon Zucchini Bread with Caramel Glaze. It’s light and zesty with a rich, buttery finish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).
Whether you’ve got fresh zucchini to use or just want a unique loaf that leans into both freshness and sweetness, this one delivers. The lemon keeps it vibrant, the zucchini makes it tender, and that warm caramel drizzle? It’s the showstopper.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of balance when it comes to baking—and this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s sweet without being cloying, rich but not heavy. The lemon keeps things bright and fresh, while the caramel glaze adds that indulgent twist that turns a humble loaf into a dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Swaps and Notes
- Zucchini Tip: No need to peel it—just grate and squeeze out moisture using a clean towel.
- Citrus Swap: Swap lemon for orange for a different twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for the loaf.
- Glaze Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the glaze for a bonus flavor layer.
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla.
4. Combine and Fold
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk and lemon juice, mixing gently.
- Fold in the grated zucchini until just combined.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Make the Caramel Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then stir in brown sugar, cream, and salt.
- Stir constantly until bubbly and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
7. Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle warm glaze over the slightly cooled bread.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy every gooey, citrus-kissed bite.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the zest! It adds tons of fresh lemon flavor.
- Squeeze the zucchini dry or the loaf may get soggy.
- Let the bread cool slightly before glazing so it soaks in without melting off.
- Double the glaze if you love a richer topping or want some extra for serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair this heavenly loaf with:
- ☕ A cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
- 🍌 Big Family Banana Pudding for a crowd-pleasing dessert duo
- 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Muffins to round out a cozy fall spread
- 🍏 Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for more caramel goodness
- 🍫 Peanut Butter Brownies when you’re in the mood for bold, chocolatey contrast
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Lasts 5–6 days, especially if glazed ahead.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed loaf (or individual slices) for up to 2 months. Add glaze fresh when serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins – soft, spiced, and cozy
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – a bite-sized caramel apple fix
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – for when you need something sweet on the go
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies – for indulgent brownie bliss
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Zucchini Bread with Caramel Glaze is everything you want in a bake—bright, moist, tender, and topped with something warm and gooey. Whether you’re baking for the weekend, gifting to a friend, or treating yourself, it’s a loaf that feels special and comforting all at once.
Tried it? Tag me—I’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to follow for more cozy, seasonal bakes and fresh flavor combos. 🍋🍞✨
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