Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread is a delightful spin on traditional zucchini bread, balancing the subtle earthiness of fresh zucchini with the bright, citrusy zing of lemon. The moist texture will have you savoring each slice, while the sweet, zesty glaze brings an appealing touch that transforms it from just a simple treat into an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast with a warm cup of coffee or as a snack during the afternoon, this quick bread is sure to please.
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I fell in love with this recipe the first time I made it on a lazy summer afternoon. With zucchini from the garden overwhelming my countertop, I was on a mission to create something both delicious and unique. The aroma that filled my kitchen as this loaf baked was intoxicating. It was a moment of pure satisfaction when I took the first slice, revealing a tender crumb and a glaze that glistened in the sunlight. I can’t wait for you to experience the same joy when you whip up your own Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just over an hour, with minimal prep and cook time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh zucchini and vibrant lemon zest gives an exceptional flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy glaze makes for a stunning presentation that’s guaranteed to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, this bread is versatile and adaptable.
- Diet-Friendly Options: It can easily be made gluten-free by substituting with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This is key for creating that sweet, glossy glaze. Use fresh powdered sugar for the best texture.
- 4 tsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zingy brightness to the glaze. You can substitute bottled lemon juice if necessary, but fresh is preferred.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our bread. For gluten-free options, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the bread.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda & 1/2 tsp baking powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise perfectly and give it a fluffy texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This is the main sweetener for the bread, offering sweetness to balance the zest and zucchini.
- Zest from 1 large lemon: Zest intensifies the lemon flavor without adding additional liquid. Always remember to zest before juicing!
- 2 large eggs: Eggs provide moisture and stability to the texture. Room temperature eggs work best, so consider letting them sit out for about 30 minutes if they’re cold.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Oil keeps the bread moist. You can swap in melted coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor.
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice: This adds more lemony goodness to the batter itself, contributing to its bright flavor.
- 1 cup zucchini, grated: Zucchini adds moisture while remaining subtle in flavor. Use the small holes of a box grater to achieve fine gratings, ensuring it blends well into the batter.
How to Make Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly spray a 9×5-inch bread pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar with the zest of 1 large lemon, whisking until fragrant. Add in 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice, mixing until well incorporated.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Fold in Zucchini: Delicately fold 1 cup of grated zucchini into your batter. The zucchini will not only add moisture but also create a beautiful texture.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared bread pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the top will be slightly domed.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whip together 1 cup powdered sugar and 4 tsp lemon juice until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a lovely finish.
Storing & Reheating
Once your Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread has cooled completely, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in a sealed container for about a week. If you’d like to keep it even longer, you can freeze the bread for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that texture might change slightly after freezing, but a quick warm-up will help refresh the flavors!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to denser bread, so mix until just combined.
- Use Fresh Zucchini: For the best moisture and flavor, use fresh zucchini in this recipe. Grate it just before adding it to the batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal mixing, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: The lemon glaze adds a fantastic finishing touch, enhancing the flavors and adding an appealing sweetness.
- Make Ahead: This bread can be made a day before serving for flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
When you combine the brightness of lemon with the richness of zucchini, you create a harmonious blend that persuades even the pickiest of eaters. The Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread is not only delicious but also a great way to use up that abundant summer zucchini. Let your creativity shine as you explore variations, like adding nuts or chocolate chips, if that’s your preference!

Recipe FAQs
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this recipe, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a plant-based oil.
How can I store leftover bread?
Store leftover Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for quick snacks later.
Can I add extras like nuts or chocolate chips?
Certainly! Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips to give it an extra delightful crunch or a sweet twist. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if needed. Enjoy experimenting!
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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 offers a delightful combination of fresh zucchini and vibrant lemon, making it a must-try. Its simple preparation and irresistible flavor will appeal to anyone seeking a homemade treat that’s both tasty and easy to bake.
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, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, whisking them together.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and lemon zest. Add eggs, oil, and lemon juice to this mixture.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bread.
Notes
For a stronger lemon flavor, increase lemon zest and juice in the batter.
Try adding nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
