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Cozy Brown Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe with Easy Walnut Streusel Topping

brown butter zucchini bread - featured image

A warm and comforting zucchini bread enhanced with nutty brown butter and topped with a crunchy walnut streusel, perfect for busy mornings or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (for browning)
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups (about 250g) shredded zucchini (no need to peel, squeezed dry)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • For the Walnut Streusel Topping:
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir occasionally as it foams, then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Pour into a heatproof bowl to cool slightly but don’t let it harden.
  2. Prep the Zucchini: Shred 2 cups zucchini using a grater or food processor. Place shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: To the browned butter, add 1 1/2 cups sugar and whisk until combined. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup whole milk.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  5. Bring It All Together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain. Then fold in the shredded zucchini gently.
  6. Prepare Walnut Streusel: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.
  7. Fill and Top: Pour batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and sprinkle the walnut streusel evenly over the top.
  8. Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50-60 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil halfway through if streusel browns too fast.
  9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before removing to cool completely.

Notes

Do not skip squeezing the zucchini dry to avoid soggy bread. Watch the butter carefully when browning to prevent burning. If batter is too thick, add a splash more milk. Tent the loaf with foil if streusel browns too quickly. Let bread cool before slicing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini bread, brown butter, walnut streusel, easy bread recipe, cozy baking, quick zucchini bread, moist zucchini bread, homemade bread