Zucchini Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze

Here’s a delicious recipe for Zucchini Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze that is moist, flavorful, and topped with a zesty cream cheese glaze to make it extra special!

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Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze:

Moist & Flavorful – The zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist, while the orange glaze adds a fresh burst of citrus.

Perfectly Sweet – Balanced sweetness, with a hint of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg.

Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process.

Great for Sharing – A fantastic treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.

Ingredients for Zucchini Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Ingredients for Orange Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

How to Make Zucchini Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well combined.
4. Add the oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and beat until smooth.
5. Fold in the grated zucchini (no need to peel it) and the chopped nuts, if using.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Orange Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest, and beat until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
3. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Drizzle the Glaze

1. Once the zucchini bread has completely cooled, drizzle the orange cream cheese glaze over the top of the loaf.
2. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a delightful breakfast or brunch item with coffee or tea.
• Great as a sweet snack or dessert after a light meal.
• Optional: Add extra zest or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bread:

• Do not overmix the batter to ensure the bread stays light and fluffy.
• Grate the zucchini finely to avoid large pieces of zucchini in the bread.
• Drain excess moisture from the zucchini if it’s very watery by gently squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel.
• Add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or raisins can elevate this bread!

Storage Instructions:

• Room temperature: Keep the bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: If you want to store it for longer, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Slice the bread and wrap it in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this bread without the orange glaze? A: Yes! The zucchini bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a nice citrusy touch.

Q2: Can I substitute the oil? A: You can use melted butter, applesauce, or Greek yogurt instead of oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I use frozen zucchini? A: Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using it.

Conclusion:

This Zucchini Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze is a wonderfully moist, flavorful, and citrusy treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, it’s a fantastic way to use up extra zucchini while indulging in a little sweetness. Enjoy!

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