Eggless zucchini bread is a moist, tender, lightly spiced quick bread that turns your summer zucchini into breakfast — no eggs and no egg replacers needed. This version bakes up taller and richer than most, with a soft, buttery crumb that stays moist for days. The grated zucchini melts right in, so even picky eaters never spot the veggie. Egg-free by design and made from simple pantry staples — this is the zucchini bread you’ll make on repeat.
Love quick eggless bread? Try my BEST Eggless Banana Bread and Eggless Pumpkin Bread.

Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe

When the zucchini piles up on my counter in late summer, this is the loaf I reach for first. I’ll be honest — I was never quite 100% happy with my original recipe: it tasted wonderful, but the loaf always baked up a little too short and flat for my liking. So after more than 13 years of egg-free baking, I went back into my own kitchen and reworked it again and again until it was taller, richer, and so moist it barely lasts a day around here — and I’m so glad I did.
And here’s the one step I never skip: I squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel to press out the extra water first — that’s the secret to a loaf that bakes up tall and tender instead of dense and gummy, and it’s still my sneaky way to get a little veggie past my kids. Grate, squeeze, mix, pour, bake — no mixer, no fuss, and not a single egg.
If this becomes your go-to like it is mine, come back and leave a star rating — it helps other egg-free families find it too. And if you love a little extra, try the chocolate chip version or turn it into an eggless zucchini coffee cake with a cinnamon crumb on top.
What I Love About This Recipe
- Egg-free by design. No eggs and no replacers — soft and tender all on its own.
- Simple pantry ingredients. Nothing specialty to hunt down.
- Taller and richer than most. A fuller loaf with a moist, cinnamon-scented crumb.
- Bakes up tall, never gummy. One quick squeeze of the zucchini keeps the crumb light instead of dense.
- A hidden veggie kids won’t notice. All they taste is warm, cozy cinnamon bread.
- Freezer-friendly. Bakes and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Tested by a real allergy mom in a real family kitchen — not a test-kitchen claim.

Can you make zucchini bread without eggs?
Yes — zucchini bread is one of the easiest quick breads to make completely egg-free. Plain yogurt, oil, and a quick buttermilk add all the moisture and structure eggs would normally provide, so you don’t need any eggs or a store-bought egg replacer. This eggless zucchini bread bakes up tall, moist, and tender every time.
What can I use instead of eggs in zucchini bread?
You don’t need a special egg replacer. In this recipe, plain yogurt (or sour cream), oil, and a quick buttermilk made from milk and apple cider vinegar do the job eggs would — the acid reacts with the baking soda for a good rise, while the oil and zucchini keep everything soft and moist. It’s built egg-free from the first ingredient, not adapted after the fact.
Why this bread works without eggs
Eggs usually add structure and lift to a quick bread. Here, the yogurt and the quick buttermilk (milk plus apple cider vinegar) do that job — the acid activates the baking powder and baking soda for a light rise, while the oil and grated zucchini keep the crumb soft and moist for days. There’s no egg replacer to buy and nothing unusual in the bowl. It’s egg-free from the very first ingredient.
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Grated zucchini is the heart of the loaf — it keeps the crumb tender and sneaks a whole veggie past picky eaters. Grate it on the large holes of a box grater, measure it loosely, then squeeze out the excess water in a clean towel so the bread bakes up tall instead of gummy. No need to peel; the skin softens and disappears.
- Plain yogurt (or sour cream) does a lot of the work eggs normally would — it adds richness, tenderness, and just enough structure to hold the crumb together. Full-fat gives the softest result.
- Neutral oil is what keeps this loaf moist for days (much longer than butter would). Use any flavorless oil — vegetable, canola, or light olive oil.
- Milk + apple cider vinegar make a quick buttermilk. Stirred together, the acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking soda for a good lift and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Any milk works, dairy or non-dairy. No apple cider vinegar? An equal amount of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice works just as well — you just need the acid to react with the baking soda.
- Granulated + brown sugar sweeten the loaf and do double duty on texture — the brown sugar brings moisture and a soft, caramel note, while the granulated keeps the crumb light. Together they give that cozy, bakery-style flavor.
- All-purpose flour is the structure. Spoon and level it (or weigh it — 2 cups is 280 g in my kitchen) so you don’t pack in too much, which is the fastest way to a dense loaf.
- Baking powder + baking soda are the lift. The soda reacts with the buttermilk and vinegar for rise, and the powder gives an extra boost so the loaf domes instead of staying flat.
- Cinnamon + nutmeg are the warm, cozy backbone. Cinnamon leads; a little nutmeg rounds it out. Feel free to nudge the cinnamon up if you like it spicier.
- Pure vanilla extract ties the whole thing together and deepens that just-baked, comforting flavor.
- Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans if you like. For a fully loaded chocolate version, try my Eggless Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread.
Food Allergy Swaps
This recipe is naturally egg, nut, peanut, and sesame-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs. However, always check labels for hidden allergens.
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
- Yogurt: Use your favorite brand of plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt.
- Milk: You can use your favorite non-dairy milk, like soy or oat milk.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend. I also like Doves Farm Freee Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, but this blend does not contain xanthan gum, so you need to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup (140 g) of gluten-free flour blend.
How To Make Zucchini Bread Without Eggs
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Prep the zucchini
- Mix dry ingredients
- Combine wet ingredients
- Mix dry and wet ingredients and add grated zucchini
- Transfer batter to the loaf pan
- Add a thin line of cold butter down the center (optional)
- Bake
- Cool and slice


Extra Tips
- Squeeze the zucchini. Grate it, then press out the excess water in a clean kitchen towel — this is the #1 step for a tall loaf that isn’t gummy. Get it drier, but not bone-dry.
- Measure before you squeeze. Measure the grated zucchini loosely before pressing out the water; packing it down adds too much and can weigh the loaf.
- Don’t overmix. Stir just until the flour disappears; overmixing builds a dense, tough crumb.
- Want the bakery crack? Lay a thin line of cold butter down the center of the batter before baking.
- Grease for height. If you’re not using a parchment sling, brush shortening (not butter) over the bottom and halfway up the sides — it helps the loaf climb.
- Tent if it browns too fast. If the top colors before the center sets, lay foil loosely over it for the last 10–15 minutes.
- Cool before slicing. Quick bread firms up as it cools; slicing warm can tear the tender crumb.

How to Get a Tall, Moist (Not Soggy) Loaf
Here’s the step that makes or breaks an egg-free zucchini loaf:
- Get rid of the excess water. Zucchini is almost all water, and too much of it left in the bowl is what leaves a loaf gummy and sunken in the middle — the most common complaint with any zucchini bread.
- Grate it on the large holes, then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel (or a few paper towels) and squeeze firmly to press out the extra moisture. You’re not wringing it bone-dry — just removing the excess, so the crumb bakes up tall and tender instead of dense.
- The yogurt, oil, and a quick buttermilk carry all the moisture the loaf needs, so it stays rich without the sog.
- Signature bakery crack on top. For height, this batter is generous enough to fill a 9×5 pan and dome nicely, and a thin line of cold butter down the center before baking gives you that signature bakery crack on top.
- One last rule: stir just until the flour disappears — overmixing is the other thing that turns a soft crumb dense.
Optional Add-ins Ideas
This bread is delicious as is, but if you want to jazz it up, add some dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pepitas, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or raisins. I recommend adding up to 1 cup total of whatever extra you add.
Storing & Freezing Instructions
Store the cooled loaf covered at room temperature for up to 3–4 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze the fully cooled loaf (whole or sliced) wrapped tightly in foil, then plastic wrap, then a freezer bag, for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The zucchini has a very mild flavor that’s overshadowed by the sugar and spices. It melts into the bread and is almost unnoticeable, so the loaf tastes like a warm, spiced sweet bread — not vegetables.
For muffins, I recommend using my Eggless Zucchini Muffins (Soft, Moist & Dairy-Free).
Yes — don’t skip it. Grate the zucchini, then press out the extra water in a clean kitchen towel. That excess moisture is what makes a zucchini loaf gummy and sink in the middle, so removing it is the secret to a tall, tender crumb. You’re not drying it out completely — just getting rid of the excess.
I don’t recommend a liquid sweetener here — it throws off the moisture balance and the loaf won’t set the same way.
No. The skin softens and disappears as it bakes, so peeling is an unnecessary step you can skip.
Usually it’s too much moisture or a slightly underbaked loaf. Make sure you’ve squeezed the excess water out of the zucchini, that your oven is fully preheated (check it with a thermometer), and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs — no wet batter.
Absolutely — fold in ½ cup. For a fully loaded version, try my Eggless Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread, made just for the chocolate lovers.

Try These Egg-Free Quick Bread Recipes Next!
Recipe Card

Easy Eggless Zucchini Bread
Video
Equipment
Important
• For best results, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Quick Bread:
- 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (6 g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain yogurt or sour cream (dairy or non-dairy will work)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy will work)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) grated zucchini (about two medium zucchini)
Instructions
- Prep the pan and oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.Tip: When greasing pans for quick bread, it is best to use shortening instead of butter since butter has water that can cause sticking. Also, brush the shortening over the bottom and up to half the sides of the pan; this will help the bread retain its height as it rises.
- Prep the zucchini: Grate it on the large holes, then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel (or a few paper towels) and squeeze firmly to press out the extra moisture. You're not wringing it bone-dry — just removing the excess, so the crumb bakes up tall and tender instead of dense. Tip: Measure the grated zucchini loosely before pressing out the water; packing it down adds too much and can weigh the loaf.

- Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl until well combined.

- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the yogurt, oil, milk, both sugars, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.

- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently whisk until just combined — don't overmix. The batter will be thick. Stir in the grated zucchini and mix until evenly distributed.

- Fill the pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

- Optional: For a bakery-style crack, lay a thin line of cold butter down the center.

- Bake: Bake for 55 – 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (no wet batter). Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.

- Cool: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold the bread and cool completely before slicing.

- Squeeze the excess water out of the grated zucchini — it’s the key to a tall loaf that isn’t gummy.
- Stir just until combined to keep the crumb soft.
- Use room-temperature yogurt and milk so they blend evenly.
- Cool completely before slicing so the tender crumb doesn’t tear.
- Full troubleshooting is in the post above.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Recipe Changelog:
- Originally posted in July 2019
- Update: The post was edited in August 2025 to add more helpful information, with no changes to the recipe.
- Update: In July 2026, I reworked this recipe to give you a taller, richer, more bakery-style loaf. After years of making my original version, I was never quite happy that it baked up a little short and flat — so I went back into my kitchen and tuned it until I loved it. The new loaf uses a bit more oil and zucchini for extra moisture, a quick buttermilk for lift, and one important step I now swear by: squeezing the excess water out of the grated zucchini so the crumb bakes up tall instead of gummy. It’s the same cozy, cinnamon-scented zucchini bread you’ve been making and reviewing — just the best version I’ve ever pulled from my oven.












Delicious. Moist and fluffy. One of the best zucchini bread recipes I’ve tried, with or without eggs!
“With or without eggs” just made my whole day, Johanna! That’s exactly what I aim for, a loaf that holds its own against any classic recipe. Thank you so much for baking it! xo
Delicious! I’ve been looking for an eggless zucchini cake recipe for ages! I added walnuts and sultanas, baked multiple loaves and froze all but one.
Hi Rachael! Thank you so much — I’m thrilled this is the eggless zucchini recipe that finally fit the bill after all your searching! The walnuts and sultanas sound delicious, and baking multiple loaves to freeze is exactly what I’d do this time of year when the zucchini won’t quit. Thank you for sharing your tweaks — enjoy those loaves all summer long!
This is the best egg free zucchini bread ever! My family is GF so I just substituted the flour for our favorite gf flour blend. Thank you Oriana !
Hi Cindy! Aww thank you so much!! 🥹 I’m thrilled to hear it turned out amazing with your GF flour blend—that’s so helpful for others too! I’m so glad your family loved it. Thanks for baking with me and for your kind words!
Loved this! Can it be made into muffins instead of bread using same measurements?
Hello Kathleen! Yes, absolutely! You can use the same measurements to make muffins—just adjust the baking time. Bake for 5 minutes at 425ºF (220ºC), then reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF (180ºC) and continue baking until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, another 20 to 23 minutes. Or if you prefer, you can also try this muffin version I have: Simple Vegan Zucchini Muffins 💚 So glad you loved it!
I added nutmeg but left out chocolate chips since my package said “may contain nuts”.
Cake is a bit heavy, but delicious.
Thank You
Hi Donald! Thanks so much for sharing your experience! 😊 Nutmeg sounds like a lovely addition, and I totally understand skipping the chocolate chips—safety first 💛 The cake can be a bit dense depending on ingredient swaps or mixing, but I’m so glad you still found it delicious! Let me know if you’d ever like help tweaking it for a lighter texture.
Made this and it was so yummy! Definitely will make again. Recipe is very easy to follow.
Hi Brooke! Yay!! I’m so glad you loved it 😍 Thanks so much for your kind words—I’m thrilled the recipe was easy to follow and a keeper! Can’t wait for you to make it again! 💕
I mixed in the chocolate chunks rather than leaving them on top where they get burned. Excellent texture and flavor. Thank you
Hello Jane! That’s such a smart move! Mixing the chocolate chunks in sounds perfect—no burnt bits and extra melty goodness inside. 😍 I’m so glad you loved the texture and flavor. Thank you for trying the recipe and sharing your tip! 💛
Sounds delicious! I’m excited to try this to sneak in some veggies for the family! Question: I dont have a food processor, but have a Cuisinart blender. Can I use this to “shred” the zucchini and further disguise it? Thanks for your advice.
Hello Kathleen! Great question! For best results, I actually recommend using a box grater instead—it gives the zucchini the perfect texture without adding too much moisture or over-processing it. But if the blender is your only option, just pulse gently and watch the texture closely. Either way, I hope the family enjoys the veggie surprise! 😊🥒
I made this last night to use up some zucchini. It was delicious. I used mini bread loaves so I could freeze them for my breakfasts and cooked them for 45 minutes. Not sure I will get to freeze any of them. They make a great after dinner treat. 🙂
Hello Pat! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I love the idea of using mini bread loaves for easy breakfasts, and it sounds like they turned out perfectly—though I completely understand if they don’t make it to the freezer! Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with delicious treats and fun baking adventures. 🙂 x- Oriana
Delicious bread! I subbed yellow crookneck squash, because that’s what we’ve grown in our garden this year, and it turned out beautifully. So nice to have a great eggless recipe as well as the option for vegan substitutions, as my husband follows a vegan diet. Thank you!
Hello Jen! Thank you for the lovely feedback! I’m so glad the bread turned out delicious with the yellow crookneck squash—how wonderful to use fresh ingredients from your garden! It’s great to hear that the eggless and vegan options worked well for your husband too. Thanks for trying it out and sharing your experience! 😊