The BEST Healthy Peach Zucchini Bread

Here is my story on how we got to this Healthy Peach Zucchini Bread…

Wow – does this summer feel different – and I’m pretty sure I am not the only one feeling this way 🙂

We are home, home and home – which isn’t a bad thing but so different from the past 5 summers I’ve spent travelling with my daughter for dance.

I’m here to see our plants grow, to enjoy our backyard “lounge” which always has a great selection of yummy red wine, and to hang with my boys – all things I’ve kinda missed.

COVID has certainly done a number on us, but it has done a few positive things in our family.

First, we are enjoying our “backyard” – as are many Albertans. The hiking trails are packed each weekend, parking lots in the mountain parks are full and people are out enjoying fresh air, scenery and simpleness of putting one foot in front of the other. This is amazing.

Second, we are cooking more – bbq’s and simple meals or crazy complicated recipes – you name it, we’ve tried it all!

Thirdly, we have time to enjoy fresh food and produce. Ok ok, I’m not growing anything – except my arrant tomato plant – but my parents are!!!! AND we get the excess of their bounty! :)) I am totally enjoying the harvest that is August – the peaches, the rhubarb, the zucchini (OH MY!)

My peach problem is seriously a thing. I live for August when the peaches are ripe and I can use them in everything.

Peach Pizza ? Yes please.

Peach salsa? Bring it on.

Peach Pie? Don’t mind if I do…

So the story behind my healthy peach zucchini bread is a COVID compilation of sorts.

We need snacks for hiking, we need to use up the zucchini (which no one in my family likes to eat just plain so I have to hide it) and I have a peach obsession.

There you have it – the reason for my healthy Peach Zucchini Bread.

Prior to going in the oven – these peaches on top make it SO pretty.

All three problems solved AND it is even pretty darn low in sugar, can be made gluten free, and is seriously delish.

So – because I spend so much time with Dani – I need to stress the health benefits of both zucchini and peaches…

Peaches

Fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A and C. We can work with that.

Zucchini

Fiber, antioxidants, rich in vitamins A, C and B. Also, zucchini is extremely hydrating – good for skin and eyes.

Umm – there really is no downside to zucchini. Just eat it.

Fresh out of the oven – let this bread sit for about an hour before cutting up and packaging into portions for hiking treats!

So – here is the recipe…

Healthy Peach Zucchini Bread

This is a delicious healthy way to use up your excess peaches and zucchini at harvest time!

• 1 cup Spelt flour
• 1 cup Whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup Wheat Bran
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups grated zucchini (grated on large side of grater)
• 1 cup fresh peaches (cut in small chunks)
• 2 Eggs
• 3/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup oil of your choice (light olive, canola, coconut (melted and cooled) vegetable)
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup brown coconut sugar (depending how sweet you like it!)
• 1 peach sliced (for the top *optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9' x 5' loaf pan with either cooking spray, or parchment.

2. Mix dry ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

3. Grate Zucchini, then wrap grated zucchini in a few paper towels. Squeeze excess water out and set aside.

4. Combine wet ingredients (peaches through sugar) in another bowl. Add grated zucchini. Mix.

5. Add "wet ingredients" to the flour mixture and gently fold together.

6. Once blended, pour batter into loaf pan and top with sliced peaches if you choose.

7. Bake for approx. 50 minutes. Remove and cool on wire rack for 1 hour.

A few notes:

This recipe is easily made Gluten Free – and I have tried it just for Danni – who is our gluten free girl 🙂

Use Gluten Free Flour (2 cups total) – and instead of the wheat bran use 1/4 cup ground FLAX.  I like the Robin Hood Gluten Free Flour – simply because it is super accessible in the grocery store and contains Xanthan Gum. If you buy a gluten free brand that doesn’t have Xanthan Gum included, you will need to add about 1/2 tsp. 

You can substitute the sugar of your choice. I like coconut sugar because it converts easily with regular sugar. 

Watch your baking in the last few minutes – every oven is different 🙂 

Check out the notes in the recipe if you want to make this loaf gluten free. Also, my family is used to my “healthy baking,” but other families might find that this recipe is not sweet enough. Please feel free to add a little more sugar, as noted in the recipe, the first time, to get the family on side.

On a side note, we’ve had many requests for the type of “spelt flour” we use. I love NUNWEILERS – which I have found at all the major grocery stores – I also use their whole wheat pastry flour.

If you are planning a COVID friendly dinner party in August and you love peaches like I do – try our Dinner Party Perfect Peach Blueberry Crumble OR if you want to use your fresh tomatoes try our Hot and Spicy Homemade Salsa – just a couple ideas to keep you busy in the kitchen!!

Here’s hoping you have an amazing August harvest – and try this snack for yourself.

xx

C