If you’re on the lookout for a delightful, fresh twist on classic zucchini bread, you have to try this Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe. It’s a vibrant, moist loaf bursting with the tropical aroma of coconut and the zesty brightness of lime, perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness and tender texture of shredded zucchini. This loaf balances sweet and tangy flavors beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Once you taste this loaf, I promise it will become one of your favorite ways to enjoy zucchini in a new, exciting form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture, moist crumb, and that inviting balance of flavor that defines the Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the loaf, making every slice substantial.
- Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with the acidity in lime to give an extra lift and tender crumb.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping the sweetness from becoming flat.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a tender texture once combined with the wet ingredients.
- Lime zest: Packs intense citrus fragrance and a bright note that wakes up the palate.
- Large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds natural richness; room temperature eggs incorporate best.
- Coconut oil: Infuses a subtle tropical flavor and helps keep the loaf moist without heaviness.
- Fresh lime juice: Injects authentic tang and works with baking soda to create lift.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to balance the citrus zing.
- Shredded zucchini: Keeps the loaf moist and tender, and adds wonderful natural sweetness.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Used for the luscious lime glaze topping that adds sweetness and a beautiful shine.
- Additional lime juice: Helps adjust the glaze to the perfect pouring consistency and amps up the lime flavor.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Toasted on top for crunch, extra sweetness, and that irresistible tropical finish.
How to Make Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Baking Essentials
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. This ensures the loaf will come out easily without sticking to the pan, while the heat is set just right for an even bake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, which is key to a consistent texture and perfect rise throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Combine Sugar and Lime Zest
In a large bowl, rub the granulated sugar and lime zest together with your fingers until you smell that enticing citrus aroma. This technique releases the natural oils from the zest and infuses the sugar with lime flavor, making every bite burst with freshness.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Into the sugar and zest mixture, beat in the eggs, melted coconut oil, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix these until smooth and well combined to create the luscious base of your loaf.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing only until just combined. Overmixing can make the loaf tough, so gentle folding is key here. Then, carefully fold in the shredded zucchini, ensuring even distribution without losing all those lovely air bubbles.
Step 6: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top slightly. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important to start checking around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the loaf.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, let the loaf sit in the pan for about 10 minutes so it can firm up a bit. Then, loosen around the edges with a bread knife and transfer it onto a wire cooling rack. While the loaf is still warm, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and lime juice to make a pourable glaze. Spoon the glaze over the loaf, letting it drip down the sides.
Step 8: Add the Toasted Coconut
Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut over the glaze and gently press it in so it sticks beautifully. This adds a toasty crunch and a gorgeous finish that elevates the loaf to something truly special. Let everything cool completely before slicing and savoring your Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe.
How to Serve Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, add extra lime zest or a few thin lime slices on top. Fresh mint leaves can add an unexpected pop of green and freshness just before serving. If you want a bit of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors.
Side Dishes
This loaf shines as a flavorful mid-morning or afternoon snack, but it’s also wonderful alongside a light citrus salad or fresh berries for brunch. Pairing it with a tangy yogurt or even a cup of ginger tea accentuates the lime and coconut notes and makes for a balanced, refreshing meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the loaf thin and serve it as finger sandwiches with a spread of cream cheese and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Alternatively, cut the loaf into mini muffins for bite-size treats that’ll disappear in no time. Even wrapped as a sweet gift with a little ribbon, this loaf feels like a homemade treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Stored at room temperature, it will stay delicious for up to three days. If you want to extend this, refrigeration will keep it good for about a week, just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully! Slice it first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. Frozen slices can be enjoyed for up to three months and make a convenient, tasty treat whenever you want a quick indulgence without baking fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the loaf slices in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until the edges get slightly crisp and the inside warms through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the texture won’t be as lovely. A warm slice tastes like it just came out of the oven, bringing that Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe magic right back to your table.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?
Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Excess water can make the loaf soggy and affect the texture.
Is coconut oil necessary or can I substitute it?
While coconut oil adds a delightful subtle flavor and moisture, you can substitute melted butter or a neutral oil like canola. Keep in mind the flavor will be less tropical without coconut oil.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour for best results, and be mindful to check your baking powder and soda are gluten-free as well.
How can I toast shredded coconut at home?
Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast it in a 350-degree oven for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully to prevent burning—they toast very quickly!
Can I double this recipe for a larger loaf or two loaves?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two separate loaf pans to ensure even cooking, or split the batter between two pans if baking at the same time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe that makes it impossible not to smile with every bite. It’s fresh, tropical, moist, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. Whether you’re baking to impress friends or just craving something new and exciting, this loaf delivers every time. Trust me, once you give it a go, it will become your go-to treat that you can’t wait to share around the kitchen table.
Print
Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Coconut Lime Zucchini Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread that combines the freshness of lime with sweet coconut and tender shredded zucchini. Perfect as a snack or dessert, it features a tangy lime glaze topped with toasted coconut for an extra burst of tropical flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lime
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
For the Lime Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus more as needed
- 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to ensure the batter does not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Sugar and Lime Zest: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar with the lime zest. Rub them together with your fingers until the mixture becomes fragrant, releasing the lime oils for enhanced flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the sugar-lime zest mixture, add the eggs, melted coconut oil, fresh lime juice, and pure vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a dense loaf.
- Fold in Zucchini: Gently fold in the shredded zucchini, distributing it evenly throughout the batter without overworking it.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Begin checking around 50 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, loosen the edges with a bread knife and carefully transfer the loaf onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Lime Glaze: While the loaf is still slightly warm, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon of lime juice in a small bowl. Add additional lime juice a little at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Place a baking tray or cutting board under the cooling rack to catch drips. Spoon the glaze over the top of the loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut evenly over the glaze and gently press it in so it adheres well.
- Final Cooling and Serving: Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the glaze to set. Serve and enjoy your tropical-inspired zucchini loaf.
Notes
- Shrink the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture if preferred, which helps avoid a soggy loaf.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure better mixing and texture.
- To toast coconut, spread it in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until golden and fragrant.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- The loaf can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
