Summer is the perfect time to become overrun with large zucchinis from your garden, and what better way to use up all that produce than by making zucchini bread! Zucchini bread makes for a tasty treat all year long, and freezing some for later is a great way to ensure that you will have some for months to come.
You can freeze zucchini bread by wrapping the loaf tightly in a layer of tin foil or plastic wrap before sealing it into an airtight container like a ziplock bag. Zucchini bread frozen this way should last up to 3 to 6 months. Beyond that, the taste of frozen zucchini bread will begin to suffer.
In this article, I will explain how to freeze zucchini bread, how long zucchini bread will stay good in the freezer, how to thaw it, and whether or not you can freeze uncooked zucchini bread for later. Keep reading to learn more.
How To Freeze Zucchini Bread (5 Steps)
It’s surprising how delicious a bread made from a somewhat flavorless vegetable can truly be. This bread has made itself a staple in so many homes. So let’s dive into how you can freeze your zucchini bread for a ready-to-go tasty treat that will last many months.
First, you will need:
Plastic wrap or tinfoil.
Ziplock bags or an airtight container for freezing bread. I recommend Buddeez Airtight Bread Keeper (available on Amazon.)
Now that you have gathered your supplies, let’s take a look at the zucchini bread freezing process:
Allow your zucchini bread to cool. Once you have baked your bread, make sure it has adequate time to cool before freezing, or else your bread will end up soggy from the trapped moisture.
Wrap your bread in a layer of plastic wrap or tinfoil. If you choose the plastic wrap method, it is recommended that you double wrap your loaf to ensure that it will not dry out in the freezer.
Place the wrapped bread in a container. For best long-term results, not only will you want to wrap your bread but you will then want to place it inside another container such as a zip-lock bag or the bread keeper I mentioned above.
Date and label the container. Labeling your bread will ensure that you use it up before it goes bad.
Place the container in the freezer. Simply place the loaf in the freezer and enjoy it when you are ready.
As you can see, the overall process for freezing your zucchini bread is relatively simple and can be done quite quickly.
A slight variation of this freezing method you might want to try is slicing your loaf into individual slices before wrapping and freezing them. This method will allow you to thaw one slice at a time rather than the entire loaf.
How Long Does Zucchini Bread Last in the Freezer?
When considering how to store your extra zucchini bread, it is crucial to know just how long freezing your bread will prolong its life.
Zucchini bread can last six months in the freezer as long as it has been appropriately stored in a layer of plastic wrap or tin foil before being placed in an airtight container. However, it is recommended that you consume your zucchini bread around the three-month mark for the freshest taste.
Freezing zucchini bread for later is a fantastic option for always having a sweet treat on hand should any guests arrive or even if you are just in the mood for a quick dessert.
How To Thaw Frozen Zucchini Bread
Now that you know how to freeze your zucchini bread and how long it can be stored in your freezer let’s take a look at the best thawing methods for it.
The Microwave Thawing Method
To thaw your zucchini bread in the microwave, remove all foil and plastic wrap before wrapping the loaf or slice in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-30 seconds. You can add more time as needed in 15-30 second increments.
When choosing this method, it is essential to note that every microwave will be different and that thaw times can significantly vary based on your device’s cook settings. Be sure not to microwave your bread too long, or else it will become rubbery and dried out.
The Counter Thawing Method
You will need to unwrap your bread before leaving it out to thaw at room temperature for this method. This step is essential because you don’t want to trap too much moisture in with the bread making it soggy.
This is probably the easiest method, but it takes time, and if you are in a rush, it isn’t the best thawing option.
The Oven Thawing Method
To thaw your zucchini bread using your oven, you will need to set the oven to 350 °F (176 °C). Before placing your bread in the oven for about five minutes, be sure to remove any plastic wrap.
The time your bread will need to warm in the oven can significantly vary depending on your oven and your cooking altitude. This way of thawing your bread will take longer than in the microwave, but your bread will definitely taste fresher.
Can I Freeze Uncooked Zucchini Bread?
Now that you know that you can freeze entire cooked loaves of zucchini bread, you might be wondering if it’s possible to freeze your zucchini bread batter.
You can freeze uncooked zucchini bread so long as you freeze the shredded zucchini and bread batter separately. However, it is essential to note that freezing your batter may result in flatter bread that has difficulty rising.
Rob and Shelly Family Vlogs has a wonderful video on how to shred and store your zucchini for bread later.
This method of storing your zucchini bread has mixed results since zucchini bread recipes greatly vary, but you should have good results so long as you separate your shredded zucchini from your bread mixture before freezing.
Conclusion
Freezing your zucchini bread is a fantastic way to store your bread when you have multiple loaves you wish to keep for up to six months. The process for freezing your zucchini bread is a simple one and is definitely worth trying if you have a lot of zucchini to use up or just wish to have a quick dessert on hand.
Not only is it easy to freeze, but frozen zucchini bread also makes a great treat that you can thaw quickly should you need a sweet treat.
