Looking for a cozy, wholesome loaf that blends the best of fall and late-summer produce? This Pumpkin Zucchini Bread is the answer. With rich pumpkin spice and the subtle sweetness of zucchini, this loaf is a go-to recipe for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a healthier homemade bread with sugar that still feels indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe delivers warm, soft slices of heaven every time
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
This quick bread checks all the boxes: it’s moist, tender, and naturally packed with fiber and nutrients from both pumpkin and zucchini. It uses pantry staples, comes together easily, and stores like a dream. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies without even realizing it.
Perfect for meal prep, gifting, or using up an abundance of zucchini, this is one of the best different zucchini bread recipes you’ll find. Want a dessert-style finish? Try adding a little cream cheese glaze or chocolate chips!
Ingredients for Zucchini Bread With Pumpkin
Make sure to measure carefully for the best texture. This recipe yields one standard 9×5-inch loaf.
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium, moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
- Grate your zucchini, then use a clean towel or paper towel to squeeze out excess moisture. Stir the zucchini into the wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Ever Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Don’t skip squeezing the zucchini – too much moisture will make the bread soggy.
- Use room temperature eggs to help everything mix evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the loaf may become dense.
- For a more dessert-like version, top with a streusel or glaze before baking.
- Want muffins instead? Divide into a muffin pan and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a GF version.
- Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or omit for a naturally sweetened option.
- Add a swirl of nut butter or cream cheese for extra richness.
- Want extra protein? Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or check out this Cottage Cheese Wrap idea for savory pairings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Zucchini Quick Bread
Forgetting to dry the zucchini: Too much water affects the structure.
- Overbaking or underbaking: Always do the toothpick test.
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: It contains added sugar and spices.
- Not allowing it to cool fully before slicing: It can fall apart.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the refrigerator: It lasts up to 1 week when tightly wrapped.
- In the freezer: Slice and freeze individually. Wrap in parchment and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temp or reheat in a toaster oven.
Pro tip: This also works great for make-ahead meal prep. Want more prep-friendly recipes? Check out Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls.
Serving Suggestions & Presentation Ideas
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
- For breakfast, enjoy with yogurt and berries.
- For dessert, pair with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Hosting a fall brunch? Serve with Pumpkin Fluff Dip or Peach Smoothie for a beautiful spread.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
This moist loaf pairs perfectly with:
- Chai tea or cinnamon spice herbal tea
- Iced matcha latte – like this Iced Matcha Latte
- Hot cocoa or steamed oat milk
- Fruit salad or Beet Salad with Arugula
More Zucchini and Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
- Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins
- Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Use maple syrup and a dairy-free chocolate if adding chips.
Do I have to peel the zucchini?
Nope! The skin is soft and full of nutrients. Just wash it well before grating.
Can I make this as muffins?
Yes! Divide into muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes at 350°F.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely—just make sure it’s well-mashed and not too watery.
Is this bread freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze slices individually for quick snacks or lunchbox additions.
Final Thoughts + Get Baking!
Whether you’re trying to use up your garden zucchini or craving something pumpkin-spiced, this Pumpkin Zucchini Bread delivers on taste, texture, and convenience. It’s a wonderful addition to your fall recipe rotation and versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more Fall Breakfast Ideas or try your hand at Pumpkin Scones. Don’t forget to share it with a friend, leave a comment, and subscribe to the blog for more cozy seasonal recipes!
PrintPumpkin Zucchini Bread – Moist, Flavorful & Perfectly Spiced
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread blends cozy pumpkin spice with subtly sweet zucchini for a moist, nutrient-packed quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking. Easy to make, naturally wholesome, and freezer-friendly, this loaf is a must-bake during fall and late summer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5 loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until combined.
- Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a towel. Stir into wet mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do not overmix.
- Stir in optional mix-ins if using.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze moisture from the zucchini to avoid soggy bread.
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother mix.
- Don’t overmix—gentle folding creates a tender texture.
- For a dessert twist, add a streusel topping or drizzle with glaze.
- To make muffins, divide into a muffin pan and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg







