ZUCCHINI BREAD WITH BROWN SUGAR & OAT CRUMBLE
{makes 2 loaves}
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup vegetable oil {I use canola}
2 1/4 cups white sugar
3 teaspoons good vanilla extract
2 cups fresh grated zucchini
1 cup chopped walnuts
-for the topping-
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup soft butter
Grease and flour two 8x4 loaf pans or spray with Baker's Joy. I prefer glass or stoneware. Do not use metal pans for this bread. Set pans aside and preheat oven for 325.
In a large mixing bowl preferably with a pour spout, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
I suggest using a box grater with the next-to-smallest holes to grate the zucchini because you want the flavor and color of the zucchini and not big hunks of it in your bites. I place the box grater over a small half-sheet pan to collect not only the grated zucchini but also the zucchini liquid. Set aside.
In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla together until combined. With the mixer on low, slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then slowly mix in the grated zucchini with juice. Mix just until combined. Stir the walnuts in by hand, making sure to fold them in so they're distributed well.
Divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Place the pans on a baking sheet and place in the center rack of the preheated oven. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
While the loaves are baking, mix together the brown sugar, flour, oats, salt, cinnamon, and soft butter with a dinner fork, mashing together to crumble and mix the butter in well. When the 15 minute timer goes off, divide the crumble topping between the loaves of bread and return to bake for another 45 minutes. Test cakes with toothpicks or cake testers every 3-4 minutes until toothpicks come out moist-clean. Cool pans for 15 minutes before removing loaves to platters for additional cooling. Store at room temperature covered well with clear wrap.
OR allow to cool completely, wrap in parchment sheets, tie with twine and add a tag! Or include a wooden measuring spoon or flat whisk!
