keto zucchini bread

Easy Keto Zucchini Bread – Sweet or Savory

If you’re on a low carb diet and miss baked goods, this recipe for easy keto zucchini bread will quickly become one of your go-to treats. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, this zucchini bread is moist, satisfying, and fits perfectly within the keto lifestyle.

Unlike traditional bread, this recipe skips the sugar and high-carb flours, relying instead on nutrient-dense, keto-friendly alternatives. One of the reasons zucchini works so well in keto baking is due to its high water content and mild flavor, which keeps baked goods moist without adding many carbs. Zucchini is also incredibly nutritious—take a look at its nutritional value to see how it fits into a healthy diet.

Before diving into the recipe, it helps to understand the ingredients and flours that support the keto diet. Swapping wheat flour for low carb alternatives like almond or coconut flour is key. If you’re unfamiliar with these substitutes, check out this guide to low-carb flours to explore the best options for keto baking.

Why Zucchini Works in Keto Baking

Zucchini is a popular choice in low carb and keto recipes for several reasons:

  • It has a neutral taste, making it perfect for both sweet and savory applications
  • High in moisture, which creates a soft and tender crumb
  • Very low in carbs, with just 3g of net carbs per cup
  • Rich in antioxidants and fiber

By grating zucchini and squeezing out excess water, it blends seamlessly into bread without overwhelming the flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Sweet and Savory Versions)

Both versions of this keto zucchini bread share some base ingredients, but each is customized to satisfy different cravings.

Common Base Ingredients:

  • Grated zucchini (well-drained)
  • Almond flour
  • Eggs
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

For the Sweet Version:

  • Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Optional: chopped walnuts or sugar-free chocolate chips

For the Savory Version:

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella)
  • Garlic powder or onion powder
  • Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
  • Optional: chopped olives, bacon bits, or jalapeños
keto zucchini bread

Tools and Preparation Tips

To make this recipe smoothly, have the following tools ready:

  • Grater or food processor for zucchini
  • Cheesecloth or nut milk bag to drain zucchini
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper

Tip: Be sure to drain the zucchini well! Excess moisture is the most common cause of soggy keto bread.

How to Make Sweet Keto Zucchini Bread

Follow these steps for a comforting low carb treat that works as a snack or dessert.

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grate and thoroughly drain the zucchini.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
  4. Fold in almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Stir in the zucchini and any optional add-ins.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool completely before slicing.

How to Make Savory Keto Zucchini Bread

This version is great for breakfast, brunch, or a savory side.

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grate and drain the zucchini.
  3. Beat eggs with herbs, garlic powder, and salt.
  4. Add almond flour, baking powder, and cheese to the mix.
  5. Stir in zucchini and other optional savory add-ins.
  6. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45–55 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Flavor Customizations and Variations

You can tweak your keto zucchini bread to match your taste:

  • Swap almond flour for coconut flour (adjust quantities since coconut is more absorbent)
  • Add unsweetened cocoa for a chocolate version
  • Use dairy-free cheese or flax eggs for allergy-friendly alternatives
  • Add lemon zest and blueberries for a summery twist on the sweet version

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Keto zucchini bread stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Storage:

  • Room temperature: up to 2 days in an airtight container
  • Fridge: up to 5–7 days, wrapped tightly

Freezing:

  • Slice and wrap each piece in parchment paper
  • Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months

Reheating:

  • Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds
  • Warm in a toaster oven for a crisp finish

Serving Suggestions

Pair your sweet keto bread with:

  • A smear of cream cheese or nut butter
  • Keto-friendly jam or sugar-free syrup

Serve your savory keto bread with:

  • Scrambled or poached eggs
  • A side of avocado or smoked salmon
  • Warm soups and stews

Nutritional Highlights

Depending on your ingredients, a typical slice includes:

  • 3–4g net carbs
  • 10–12g fat
  • 5–7g protein

This makes it ideal for those following a ketogenic lifestyle or watching their glycemic load. To get precise numbers, use a tracker like Carb Manager or MyFitnessPal.

For more insights into how this fits within your meal plan, read this beginner’s overview of the ketogenic diet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your zucchini bread turns out well:

  • Drain the zucchini thoroughly — excess water will ruin the texture
  • Don’t overmix the batter — this causes dense, rubbery bread
  • Avoid overbaking — use the toothpick test to check for doneness
  • Don’t use pre-shredded cheese in the savory version — it has added starch

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a substitute.

Why is my zucchini bread soggy?
This is usually due to undrained zucchini. Use a cheesecloth to press out moisture.

How do I make the bread more moist but not wet?
Ensure the balance of dry and wet ingredients is right. Weighing zucchini can help avoid guessing.

Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, but thaw and drain it completely before using to avoid excess water.

Is this keto zucchini bread diabetic-friendly?
Absolutely, especially the sweet version made with monk fruit or erythritol.

How do I make it more savory or spicy?
Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra cheese for a savory punch.

Final Thoughts

Easy keto zucchini bread is one of the most adaptable and satisfying low carb recipes out there. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a sweet or savory version that suits any mood or meal.

Print
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Easy Keto Zucchini Bread – Sweet or Savory


  • Author: ELENE
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x

Description

Two-in-one recipe for keto zucchini bread: a sweet version for a low-carb treat, and a savory version perfect for breakfast or snacking. Both use almond flour and grated zucchini as a base.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Common Base Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (well-drained)
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • For the Sweet Version:
  • ½ cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
  • 1 tsp cinnamon or ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or sugar-free chocolate chips
  • For the Savory Version:
  • ¾ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder or onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped olives, bacon bits, or jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Preparation Tips: Use a grater or food processor for the zucchini. Drain thoroughly with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag to avoid soggy bread. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. For the Sweet Version:
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Whisk eggs, sweetener, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
  5. Add almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.
  6. Stir in the drained zucchini and optional chocolate chips or nuts.
  7. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool completely before slicing.
  10. For the Savory Version:
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Beat eggs with herbs, garlic powder, and salt.
  13. Add almond flour, baking powder, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
  14. Stir in the zucchini and optional savory add-ins like olives or bacon bits.
  15. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45–55 minutes.
  16. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

Be sure to drain zucchini thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze slices for long-term storage.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Keto

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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