¾cuproughly chopped raw walnuts or pecans optional
⅓cupmelted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil*
½cuphoney or maple syrup
2eggs
½cupmilk of choice or water
1tspbaking soda
1tspground cinnamon + more to swirl on top
2tspvanilla extract
½tspfine-grain sea salt
¼tspground nutmeg
1 ½cupsgrated zucchini you’ll need 1 small-to-medium zucchiniabout 7 ounces—if your grated zucchini is very wet, squeeze out the excess moisture over the sink before stirring it into the batter
1 ¾cupswhole wheat flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a small, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and grease a 9” x 5” loaf pan (or a small loaf pan) to prevent the bread from sticking.
Once the oven has finished preheating, pour the chopped nuts onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are fragrant and toasted, about 5 minutes, stirring halfway.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil and honey. Beat them with a whisk until they are combined. Add the eggs and beat well. (If your coconut oil solidifies on contact with cold ingredients, simply let the bowl rest in a warm place for a few minutes, like on top of your stove, or warm it for about 20 seconds in the microwave.)
Add the milk, baking soda, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and nutmeg, and whisk to blend. Switch to a big spoon and stir in the zucchini, then add the flour and stir just until combined. Some lumps are ok! Gently fold in the toasted nuts now.
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan (I used a small Bundt pan) and sprinkle lightly with additional cinnamon.
Bake for 55 to 60 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 20 minutes before slicing it with a sharp, serrated knife.
Notes
This bread is moist, so it will keep for just 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store it in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months or so. I like to slice the bread before freezing and defrost individual slices, either by lightly toasting them or defrosting them in the microwave.