Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread is not your ordinary quick bread. This delightful concoction marries the subtle sweetness of zucchini with the bright, zesty punch of lemon, creating a loaf that’s utterly irresistible. With a soft, moist interior and a glossy lemon glaze drizzled on top, every slice feels like a perfect sunny day. Whether you’re in need of a cheerful snack or a delightful addition to your weekend brunch spread, this bread will not disappoint. It’s remarkable how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to transform into such a flavorful treat.
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I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer harvest, when zucchini seemed to overflow in my garden. Being a fan of both lemon and zucchini, the idea of combining them into a bread seemed too good to pass up. After the first loaf, it became a staple in my kitchen – perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate summer’s bounty than with a warm, comforting slice of Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just about an hour, perfect for those busy days.
- Irresistible Flavor: It’s soft, moist, and the tangy lemon glaze just takes it to a whole new level.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its golden crust and glossy glaze, it looks as good as it tastes!
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or desserts; it’s versatile for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute gluten-free flour or use flax eggs for easy dietary adaptations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This will create the sweet glaze that tops the bread. For a smoother consistency, sift the sugar before mixing.
- 4 tsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best, as it gives the glaze a vibrant flavor. You can substitute with bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but it may vary in tartness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for the bread. If gluten is a concern, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors within the bread.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Provides a leavening effect, helping the bread to rise as it bakes.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Works in tandem with the baking soda for a fluffy texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds necessary sweetness. Feel free to cut back slightly if you prefer a less sweet loaf.
- Zest from 1 large lemon: Infuses the bread with a fresh lemon flavor that’s simply delightful. Use a microplane for the finest zest.
- 2 large eggs: Brings moisture and structure to the bread. For a vegan version, substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist. Alternatives include melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice: This goes in the batter, amplifying the lemony flavor. Again, prefer fresh juice for the best taste.
- 1 cup zucchini, grated: A secret weapon for moisture! Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini before adding to the batter for the best texture.
How to Make Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray for easy release later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp baking powder. This ensures an even distribution of leaveners throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar and the zest from 1 large lemon until fragrant. Then, whisk in 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until no dry flour remains visible. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
- Fold in Zucchini: Gently fold in 1 cup of grated zucchini. This is the magic ingredient that keeps the bread moist and adds a lovely texture.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 4 tsp lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to hold its shape on the bread.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Storing & Reheating
To store your lemon zucchini bread, keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week in a properly sealed container. If you want to freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and use a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Just note, the texture might change slightly, but a brief time in the oven will help refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid grating too much zucchini; excess moisture can lead to a dense bread. Squeeze out the moisture before folding it into the batter.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature to ensure good emulsification and moisture distribution for a perfect loaf.
- A little extra lemon zest in the batter can intensify that bright flavor, so if you love lemon, don’t hesitate to add a tad more!
- If you want a more pronounced glaze, double the lemon juice and powdered sugar for a thicker topping that packs a delicious punch.
Every bite of this Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread promises a sunny burst of flavor that’s just the pick-me-up we all need. Whether you serve it warm with butter or share it with friends over coffee, this simple recipe is bound to earn its place in your go-to collection.

Recipe FAQs
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Just be cautious of other ingredients if you require strict gluten-free measures.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The edges should be slightly golden and pulling away from the pan.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor and texture. Just be cautious not to overcrowd the loaf.
How should I adjust the recipe for different sizes of zucchini?
If you have larger zucchini, just grate a smaller amount and make sure to remove the seeds. Too much zucchini can lead to a soggy texture; one cup of grated zucchini usually suffices.
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📖 Recipe Card

Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread is a delightful blend of fresh zucchini and zesty lemon, topped with a sweet glaze. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether as a quick snack or a tasty dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- zest from 1 large lemon
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup zucchini, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a bread pan with non-stick spray and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Add in the eggs, oil, and lemon juice, and whisk to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the grated zucchini until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Notes
Ensure the zucchini is well-grated for a moist bread texture.
Store the bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
This bread freezes well; wrap it tightly and store for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
