Want to try something different for your next dessert or breakfast pastry? Try combining two unexpected flavors – peanut butter and zucchini. Although it may seem strange, zucchini actually tastes much sweeter than you would expect, and pairs well with peanut butter because of its slightly savory and salty flavor, which creates a unique taste that will leave you coming back for more. Here’s how to make peanut butter zucchini bread.
- Mix together ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter, ⅛ cup canola oil, 1 cup sugar (or substitute if desired), 1 tsp vanilla, 2 eggs, 1 cup grated zucchini. Combine in a bowl and put aside for later.
- Use an electric mixer to combine the following ingredients in a separate bowl on low speed: 1 ½ cup flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder.
- Mix the two bowls together until they are evenly combined. Be careful not to over mix.
- Chop up 8 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and add them to the mix.
- In a separate bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, ½ tsp cinammon, and 3 tbls softened butter. This will become a streusel topping that adds sweetness to the bread.
- Use a non-stick cooking spray on a bread pan, and spread the batter evenly inside.
- Sprinkle the topping on the batter.
- Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.
Like this recipe? Here are more of our favorite snack ideas that use zucchini.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Zucchini make the perfect healthy base for these little appetizers. Although they may taste like an unhealthy pizza, they have the great nutrients that zucchini offers. To make, slice up zucchini into small rounds, then sprinkle mozzarella (or whatever your favorite shredded cheese is) on top, and add some mini pepperonis if desired.
Zucchini French Fries
This is an amazing substitute for everyone’s favorite junk food. Instead of actually frying the zucchini, you can bake it for a healthier taste. Cut the zucchini into strips, then use a batter to bread it and season it. Bake in the oven and you have the perfect party appetizer or even a crowd pleasing side dish for your kids.
Zucchini Cake
Yes, really. You can make an amazing cake with a deliciously light flavor that’s perfect for summer with this amazingly unexpected ingredient. There are tons of ways to incorporate zucchini into a cake, but all of them pair well with a light sugary glaze or even some heavier cream cheese frosting. Zucchini also pairs well with chocolate in virtually any dessert.
Zucchini Noodles
Instead of making pasta, which can be very carb-heavy, try using a spiralizer to create your own zucchini pasta. Once you’ve spiralized the zucchini, you can cook it and season it the way you would with spaghetti or any other type of noodles. If you’re looking for an easy substitute to your favorite Asian snacks, you can add sesame or teryaki seasoning for a similar effect.
