Pane dolce alle zucchine con noci e sciroppo d'acero

Ingredienti

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g / 1 medium) zucchini, shredded
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain greek yogurt or sour cream
• 3/4 cup (95g) walnuts, roughly chopped, (divided)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Preparazione

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Using a cheesecloth or a strong paper towel, gather the zucchini shreds and wring them out. The goal is to reduce the amount of moisture (water) in the zucchini. After squeezing out the moisture from the zucchini, it should weight 150-160g.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.

4. 4

   Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add 1/3 cup maple syrup and beat for one more minute. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl as needed.

5. 5

   On medium speed, beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add shredded zucchini and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.

6. 6

   With the mixer on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients and beat just until combined. Add the yogurt or sour cream and beat until combined. Add the other half of the dry ingredients and beat just until combined. Do not overmix – the less you mix, the lighter the bread will be. Stir in the nuts, reserving a few for garnish.

7. 7

   Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and top with reserved nuts. Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil (I cover mine after 30 minutes to help prevent it). Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack.

8. 8

   Drizzle room temperature maple syrup slowly over zucchini bread while the bread is still warm. If the syrup doesn’t soak in completely, poke a few holes with a toothpick. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan.