Ella Bellas Healthy Summer Squash Bread

Ella Bella's Healthy Summer Squash Bread is the perfect guilt-free treat that marries wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavor. Packed with nutrient-rich grated summer squash, this moist and hearty bread showcases the natural sweetness of honey or maple syrup and a touch of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. Made with whole wheat flour and rolled oats, it's a fiber-filled alternative to traditional quick breads, while unsweetened applesauce keeps it light and naturally moist. The recipe offers a customizable twist with optional add-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips for a little extra crunch or indulgence. Ready in just over an hour, this nutritious loaf makes an excellent breakfast, snack, or dessert. Enjoy it sliced warm with a pat of butter or chilled alongside your favorite tea for a healthy, summer-inspired treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups Summer squash (grated, excess moisture removed)
• 1.5 cups Whole wheat flour
• 0.5 cups Rolled oats
• 1 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda
• 1 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons Nutmeg (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 2 Eggs (large)
• 0.5 cups Unsweetened applesauce
• 0.5 cups Honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans
• 0.5 cups Optional: Dark chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Mix well.

Step 3

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.

Step 4

Gently fold the grated summer squash into the wet ingredients.

Step 5

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 6

If using, fold in the chopped nuts and/or dark chocolate chips.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1258.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2389.2

Total Fat 93.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 370mg	0%
Sodium 1837.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 364.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.5g	0%
Total Sugars 172.9g
Protein 67.8g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 366.7mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 3178.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.7%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 56.7%