Zucchini Bread with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Sorry about the delay between posts, I've been remodeling the kitchen and its been a process. 

Here's the next recipe -Zucchini Bread with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.  This zucchini bread is so easy that you can actually make when your kitchen is torn apart and completely disorganized!  And I have the proof! 

This recipe is inspired from the Food Network Magazine mix and match bread recipe. 

Ingredients:
1 1/4 c of self rising flour  (Or regular flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp baking soda)
3/4 c of sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 stick of melted butter
2 large eggs
1 - 6oz container of plain greek yogurt (Vanilla works as well, just then omit vanilla extract)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c of shredded zucchini squeezed dry.

Topping: (optional)
3 oz of softened cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp powdered sugar
lemon zest (as much as you like, I did about 1 tsp)

 

 

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2) Prep the loaf pan with some nonstick cooking spray.

3)  Melt the butter in the microwave.  I like to microwave mine in a glass measuring cup because it will have the nice convient spout when we need to add it in later.  Less messy that way!  

 4) In a larger mixing bowl whisk together the dry team: flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon. 

(Here I used self rising flour which is a finer milled flour that already has the leavening agents in it.  This was easier with because it is one ingredient rather than 3, however if you don't have it at home, you can make the same bread with 1 1/4 c of all purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder and 1/2 baking soda.)

5) In another mixing bowl mix together the wet team, melted butter, eggs, yogurt and vanilla. 

6) Fold in the shredded zucchini into the wet team bowl.

7)  Add the wet team to the dry team.  My mixing bowls have spouts on the side of them making this much easier!  A great bridal shower gift!

  

8) Mix until just combined and pour into the loaf pan.

9) Bake for 55-60 minutes.  Check that it is completely done by inserting a knife and making sure it comes out clean.

10) Let it cool in the pan for about an hour, then turn out onto a cooling rack.


Once completely cooled, make the frosting....

11) In either the bowl of a kitchen aid mixer or with a hand mixer on medium combine cream cheese, vanilla and powdered sugar.  Add lemon zest and beat for a few minutes.

Make sure to taste the topping before adding it the bread.  If you like your frosting to be a little sweeter feel free to add some more powdered sugar!  It's always easier to add more sugar than to take it out!