Charlotte Veggie

Healthy Holiday {Cranberry Nut} Zucchini Bread

IMG_8432

I whipped up 2 loaves of this easy sweet bread today: One is for a gift and the other for my humble abode.

IMG_8431

Using whole wheat pastry flour, less oil, coconut sugar, apple sauce, banana, and zucchini, this dairy free bread is healthier without compromising taste and texture. It’s comparable to a light cake.

IMG_8430 

I thought it was suitable for the holidays to give it specks of red and green with cranberries and zucchini. However, you could easily skip folding in any additional toppings.

IMG_8428

The second one had walnuts. The bread is moist, soft, fresh but slices easily and can hold up to a spread of butter, jam, or nut butters.

IMG_8427

Try this bread for breakfast, a mid afternoon snack, as pre or post workout fuel, or dessert.

Healthy Holiday {Cranberry Nut} Zucchini Bread

DF, NF if you omit walnuts

Makes 1 loaf

 

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded zucchini

1 mashed ripe banana

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup apple sauce

1/4 cup olive, unrefined coconut, or nonGMO canola oil

1/2 cup coconut sugar

1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 baking soda

*you can skip any spices you don’t have or even use pumpkin pie spice*

1/2 cinnamon

*1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

*1/4 tsp ground cloves

*1/4 tsp ground cardamom

1/3 cup dried cranberries and or 1/3 cup walnut pieces

*you can skip any spices you don’t have or even use pumpkin pie spice*

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease a loaf pan.

Combine mashed banana, shredded zucchini, apple sauce, oil, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.

Sift in flour, baking soda, and spices.

Stir until everything is moistened and then fold in dried fruit and/or nuts.

Bake for 50 minutes.

Other posts that may interest you:

Breakfast recipes including cookies, scones, and more

Marbled Banana Bread 

Coconut sugar and the glycemic index

All about coconut oil

Recent Posts…

Cape Neddick- Pie In The Sky

Cape Neddick- Pie In The Sky

We left Boston yesterday to drive up the coast of Maine. Passing through Kittery, there were many outlet stores and I wasn’t really interested in stopping to shop until I saw this: I’m not gonna lie. I was excited and at the same time felt guilty that my it was my first stop and activity [...]

{ 0 comments }
Holiday Edition: Five Spice Pumpkin Orange Bundt Cake + Orange Anise Icing

Holiday Edition: Five Spice Pumpkin Orange Bundt Cake + Orange Anise Icing

The holidays beckon for sweets and although I love pies, I like how bundt cakes are traditional and make a regular dessert more special. The decorative look reminds me of wreaths and rings and all things festive. This recipe is very versatile and a good guide for whatever flavors you want to impart. It is [...]

{ 0 comments }
My Fitness Journey

My Fitness Journey

I have been active most of my life with my parents placing a tennis racket in my hand at age 5 and continuing that sport through high school. I was also a regular gym member, exercise machine user, and group exercise class participant through high school and college. After college, working full time and starting [...]

{ 4 comments }