It’s Vegan Zucchini Bread for your everyday baking needs! Tender and springy, this moist vegan zucchini bread is packed with wholesome goodness, naturally sweetened, and fit to be mixed with any of your favorite quick-bread additions.

Around here, “additions” almost always include nuts, but if you have your eyes set on a vegan zucchini bread chocolate edition, I fully support you (or do both!).
Although I don’t follow a vegan diet, I have many friends who aren’t able to have dairy, so it’s often on my mind when I’m cooking for company.
I’ve also received several requests for vegan bread recipes (like this Vegan Pumpkin Bread) as of late, so I suspect you are in the market too.
Even if you *aren’t* in the market for vegan recipes, I hope you’ll still give this easy vegan zucchini bread a try.
It’s marvelously moist, nicely spiced with cinnamon, and spiked with vanilla.
Did I mention it’s also a naturally sweetened vegan zucchini bread with whole wheat flour that tastes fantastic?

5 Star Review
“This is the BEST zucchini bread ever! Thank you so much for an easy, tasty recipe. Total hit with me and my family.”
— Perdita —
Moist vegan zucchini bread is the breakfast you wake up excited to eat.
It’s warm, inviting, and far more delightful than your standard breakfast fare. Every bite is positively scrumptious.
This zucchini bread is also the sort of breakfast you can feel justified eating a giant serving of (like these Healthy Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips).
Zucchini bread = vegetables.
(Or zucchini bread = fruit, depending upon how technical you’d like to be…or make Blueberry Zucchini Bread for the best of both.)

How to Make the Best Vegan Zucchini Bread
No matter how you categorize it, I am having a second slice of this vegan zucchini bread with whole wheat flour, because it’s yummy—and because I can.
The Ingredients
- Zucchini. This vegan zucchini bread recipe is ideal for the summertime when you have a plethora of zucchini on your hands, but I love it year-round too. I promise every slice of this moist zucchini bread will melt in your mouth (like Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies, classic Zucchini Muffins, and Chocolate Zucchini Bread).
- Wheat Flour. I use white whole wheat flour because its mild flavor is undetectable. If you’d like to use regular whole wheat flour, which has a much more robust taste, I recommend using half regular whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to keep the loaf light.
- Applesauce. If you’re watching your vegan zucchini bread calories, vegan zucchini bread with applesauce will be your healthy baking BFF. It makes the best vegan zucchini bread because it keeps the crumb tender without additional fat.
- Maple Syrup. This recipe uses pure maple syrup to make vegan zucchini bread with no sugar! In addition to being less processed, the warm, cozy notes of maple syrup make the recipe taste extra special.
- Flaxseeds. Wondering how to make zucchini bread without eggs? As with my Vegan Pumpkin Muffins, the secret is flax eggs! When mixed with water, flaxseed meal “gels” and binds the bread, much like eggs in classic zucchini bread recipes.
- Cinnamon. Warms the bread with delightful spice. For added flavor, try this vegan zucchini bread with nutmeg added too—just 1/4 teaspoon should do the trick.
Zucchini Bread Mix-Ins
Once you have your vegan zucchini bread batter, it’s time for the mix-ins.
- Walnuts. Pecans or hazelnuts would be delightful too. Nuts add toastiness, crunch, and healthy fats.
- Chocolate. I adore chocolate zucchini bread (and these Healthy Zucchini Muffins with chocolate chips). Feel free to add chocolate chips in place of or in addition to the nuts.
- Dried Fruit. Such as cranberries, chopped dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or blueberries
This easy vegan zucchini bread would be scrumptious with any or all of the above. Just keep the amount to about 1/2 cup or so.

The Directions
- Make the flax eggs.

- Grate the zucchini and remove as much excess water as possible.
TIP!
If this is your first time making zucchini bread, you may be wondering if you peel zucchini before shredding for bread or if you take the seeds out of zucchini when making bread. The answer is: NO!
The seeds will be undetectable in the bread once it is baked. As for the zucchini skin, you can’t taste it and it’s a wonderful boost of fiber that you don’t want to skip.

- Whisk together the wet ingredients.

- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold in the zucchini and nuts.

- Transfer the batter to a parchment-lined and greased (9×5) loaf pan.
TIP!
Make sure to use a 9×5-inch loaf pan like this one, not an 8×4-inch loaf pan, or the zucchini bread will not bake through properly.
- Bake vegan zucchini bread at 325 degrees F for 50 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool, then slice. ENJOY!
Storage Tips
- To Store. Store for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, place in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
- To Freeze. Freeze for up to 3 months. I also like to slice the whole loaf, then wrap and freeze individual slices. Then I can pull them out of the freezer whenever a craving strikes.
Storage Tip
Use my guide for How to Store Muffins and Other Quick Breads for more helpful tips and tricks.

What to Serve with Vegan Zucchini Bread
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Loaf Pan. This one is my all-time favorite loaf pan for just about any quick bread recipe.
- Box Grater. Not just for cheese. They’re great for zucchini, too (and Gluten Free Carrot Cake)!
- Paper Towels. Key for removing excess moisture from the zucchini (a fine mesh strainer is another helpful tool to have on hand).
This easy whole wheat vegan zucchini bread promises to add delicious variety to your breakfast routine. Any lucky leftovers make for a more exciting wake-up later in the week too!
Overloaded with zucchini this summer? Check out my full collection of healthy zucchini recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need the vegan zucchini bread gluten free, swap the same amount of a 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Blend like this one, or try this Paleo Zucchini Bread (an all-time reader fave!).
Great idea! I think you could. Just make sure to start checking a lot earlier for doneness. Most muffins are around the 18 to 22 minute mark.
Sure! If you would prefer not to use whole wheat flour, you may swap for an equal amount of all purpose flour.
I would not recommend making this particular recipe with almond flour since it behaves very differently in baking than wheat-based flour. This Gluten Free Zucchini Bread is a better option if you’re looking for almond flour zucchini bread.
Great idea! I have not personally tried adding carrots. However, you could experiment with swapping a portion of the zucchini for carrots in this recipe. You might also enjoy these Zucchini Carrot Muffins.
A few factors can cause the center of your zucchini bread to be gooey. First, make sure your oven’s temperature is true. Some ovens can be off by several degrees, which can cause zucchini bread to be underbaked (or overbaked if your oven runs hot). Also, be sure to extract as much water as possible from the zucchini since excess water content can cause zucchini bread to be gooey after baking. The goal is moist vegan zucchini bread, not gooey or gummy!
I love this idea! However, I have not tried making this recipe into a vegan protein zucchini bread before, so it would be an experiment. If you try adding a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder to this recipe, I’d love to hear your results.
Vegan Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
- 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 5 tablespoons water; if you do not need the zucchini bread to be vegan, you can substitute 2 large eggs)
- 2 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted and cooled coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (I recommend aluminum-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup toasted raw walnuts or pecans roughly chopped (optional) or 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed), plus optional extra to sprinkle over the top
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, and line with parchment paper. Allow the two opposite sides of the parchment to overhang the edges of the pan (like handles). Grease again.
- Make the flax eggs by stirring together the flaxseed meal and water. Let sit for at least 5 minutes to thicken.
- Grate and measure the zucchini, then thoroughly squeeze it with a paper towel to remove as much excess water as possible. Repeat as needed so that the zucchini is as dry as possible.
- In a large mixing bowl, briskly whisk together the maple syrup, applesauce, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the coconut oil resolidifies, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add the flax eggs. Then mix again until combined.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt over the top of the batter, then mix to combine. Sprinkle in the flour, then with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir just until the flour disappears. Fold in the zucchini and nuts.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. If you'd like, you can also sprinkle a few extra nuts over the top.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool for at least 20 additional minutes. Use the parchment handles to lift the loaf from the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice with a sharp serrated knife. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Make sure to use a 9×5-inch loaf pan like this one, not an 8×4-inch loaf pan, or the zucchini bread will not bake through properly.
- TO STORE: Store for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, place in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Check out my guide for How to Store Muffins and Other Quick Breads for more tips!
- TO FREEZE: Freeze for up to 3 months. I also like to slice the whole loaf, then wrap and freeze individual slices. Then I can pull them out of the freezer whenever a craving strikes.
- GLUTEN-FREE: For a gluten-free version, replace the white whole wheat flour with the same amount of a 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Blend like this one.
Nutrition
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Chip away at your summer zucchini bounty with one of these other fabulous healthy zucchini recipes:
Yes, the recipe works. I omitted maple syrup and coconut oil. I sprinkled flaxseed and use olive oil in the batter.
Kim, thanks for the feedback and for sharing your tweaks also!
Made this over the weekend and it is by far my new favorite zucchini bread! Moist and healthy without tasting too healthy. Kids loved it too!!
SO glad to hear it Jean, thank you!!!
The perfect treat with my morning tea!
I love it with tea and coffee too, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
I was thrilled with this healthier zucchini bread that didn’t make me feel like I was sacrificing taste! Delicious!
WHOO HOO! That’s my whole goal Liz. Thank you!
What can I replace oil with?
Hi Cheri! You can use melted unsalted butter or another kind of oil such as canola oil. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Can you use applesauce rather than oil?
Hi Valerie! I have not tried this swap, so I can’t say whether or not it will come out the same. You could try experimenting with applesauce or melted unsalted butter. I hope you enjoy this recipe if you try it!
Was so happy with the way this turned out! Delish!
This was so good! Thank you for the recipe and tips!
I am so glad, thank you Toni!!
Hi Erin,
I never seem to have whole wheat flour as I hardly ever bake. I do have org all purpose flour and I have a small bag of org oat flour. Can I substitute one of these for the whole wheat?
Janet, you can use the regular all purpose! I would not recommend the oat flour or tapioca starch, as it behaves differently in baking.
P. S. I also have a small bag of tapioca starch (flour) lol.
Erin, this bread was wonderful❣️. I followed your recipe plus added 1/3 C of Hershey’s dark chocolate morsels (just a bit bigger than the usual). I couldn’t stop eating it with a cup of tea at night and coffee in the morning. I thought the recipe was a bit labor intensive but I don’t bake very often so maybe that’s why. I’m sure I could talk myself into making it again ?
YAY Janet, I’m glad you enjoyed the bread! Thanks for taking the time to leave this wonderful review too.
So delicious! We added chocolate chips and walnuts. First time I’ve ever really baked and even more special first time for my daughter and I to bake something together. ❤️
Erin, have only recently came upon your site (and have subscribed) but truly wanted to thank you for the wholesome recipes! Can’t wait to try another one.
You have given me that baking can be healthy and my dream to bale with my daughter is a possibility (even for beginners like me!)
Thanks again
Arielle, thank you so much for this sweet comment—it makes my day! I’m so glad to have you as a reader, and I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying my recipes too.
can i make this in a cupcake tin?
Hi Nazish, I think you could. Make sure to start checking a lot earlier for doneness. Most muffins are around the 18-22 minute mark.
This recipe looks delish! Can I trade applesauce for Greek yogurt and maple syrup for applesauce?
Thank you!
Hi Mayela, I have not tried those swaps so I can’t say for certain. They’re not straight swaps, so the bread may turn out different. If you’re interested in experimenting, I’d love to hear how it goes.
Hi Erin, I would like to try this recipe but I do not use oil. Can I just use applesauce and if so, how much. Thanks, Lois
Thank you for your question, Lois! I have not tried this myself, but you could experiment with applesauce in place of coconut oil. I hope you enjoy this recipe if you give it a try!
This bread is amazing! It’s moist and full of flavor. Better than any zucchini bread so far. Turned out perfect!
Robyn, I’m so glad to hear you loved it! Thanks for taking the time to share this review!
Hi Erin,
I love your blog and follow you regularly on instagram. You’re so welcoming of food limitations that I’m attracted to your blog. Because of health reasons, I am limited to what I can eat.
I made the zucchini bread today and followed the recipe exactly except used 2 cups gluten free flour and 1/3 cup mini dairy free cc. I didn’t add the nuts.
The toothpick came out clean, but the texture was very rubbery and when I got to the middle it was quite undone. Could this have been due to the substitute of GF flour? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Thank you for all your wonderful recipes.
Hi Debbie! Thank you so much for your kind words and for being a follower! I truly appreciate it! I’m sorry this recipe didn’t turn out as expected. Did you try a 1:1 Gluten-Free flour like this? My Chocolate Chip Paleo Zucchini Bread is also very similar to this recipe, but is already gluten-free: https://www.wellplated.com/chocolate-chip-paleo-zucchini-bread/, so it might work better for you. I hope this helps!
Help! Anyone know how to adjust bake time if I only have a 8×4 pan? Made the recipe and then read it only works with 9×5… bread in oven now!!!!
Hi Yvette! This recipe is designed for a 9×5 pan, so unfortunately, I can’t recommend timing for an 8×4 pan. I hope your bread still turned out well!
This is the BEST zucchini bread ever! Thank you so much for an easy, tasty recipe. Total hit with me and my family.
Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review, Perdita! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the bread!
Erin, I looked at a few other zucchini bread recipes while browsing for a vegan version and noticed that some of them add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Nutmeg. Is there a reason you don’t use it? You like it better without it maybe? I’ll be making this next week for a small group at my home.
Paul, that’s totally personal preference. Nutmeg would be great! You could start out with 1/4 teaspoon for your first batch of this bread and see what you think. I hope you enjoy it!
Loved this Zucchini bread. I wonder how you would add the chopped dried apricots? Do they replace another ingredient? Or just add in addition? If so, ho much? Thank you. I am recently having a craving for apricots!!!
Hi Willie! You could swap in 1/2 cup dried apricots for the 1/2 cup walnuts called for in this recipe. If you decide to try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!
This is great zuchinni bread. First try and it is wonderful!!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Ellen! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
It took me longer than the stated 25 minutes to prepare this recipe, but who cares: The end result is absolutely delicious! I will definitely make it again.
Hi Linda! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and feedback!
This bread is so delicious!! It’s in my favorite bread/muffin list from now on!!
Hi Becky! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!