When the summer sun shines bright, it brings with it an abundance of garden-fresh ingredients, especially cucumbers. One cherished family recipe that beautifully showcases this summer vegetable is Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread. This savory quick bread is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the subtle sweetness of cucumbers with the warm, comforting taste of homemade bread. Passed down through generations, this recipe has become a staple in our family, often gracing our tables at summer picnics and gatherings. The moist texture and flavorful profile make it an ideal dish for those seeking healthy snacks or unique lunch ideas. Its uniqueness lies in the use of cucumbers, which not only provide moisture but also add a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with the spices and sweetness. Let’s dive into this classic recipe and discover how to create your own loaf of Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread!

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup finely grated cucumber (about 1 large cucumber)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well for added crunch)
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

For the best flavor, opt for garden-fresh cucumbers whenever possible. Look for cucumbers that are firm and smooth, avoiding any with blemishes or soft spots. If you have an abundance of zucchini, you can also try making a zucchini and cucumber bread variation! The subtle sweetness and moisture of zucchini can create a delightful twist on the classic recipe.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your bread comes out easily and maintains its shape.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: grated cucumber, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined, ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated for a good rise.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine, as overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
5. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins for added texture and flavor. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also provide a delightful crunch.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure to spread the batter evenly to promote even baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the bread to set, making it easier to slice.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best results, consider the following tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Grating Cucumbers: Ensure you squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel. Too much moisture can lead to a soggy bread, which detracts from the overall texture.
• Make-Ahead: This bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or last-minute gatherings.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It should maintain its quality for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a slice of summer anytime.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing your batter; this can result in a dense bread. Also, check your baking powder and baking soda for freshness to ensure proper rising. Using fresh ingredients is key to the success of Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread.

Variations

While this recipe is a classic, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, which adds extra fiber. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like dill or chives into the batter, which can enhance the savory notes of the bread. You could also swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup to create a deliciously moist bread with natural sweetness. Each variation presents an opportunity to tailor Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread to your personal taste!

Serving Suggestions

Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it warm, toasted with a pat of butter, or as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon. This creates a refreshing and elegant appetizer perfect for gatherings. Pair it with a refreshing salad or a bowl of soup for a light lunch or dinner option, making it a delightful addition to any meal. This bread also makes a lovely addition to any summer picnic spread, complementing other dishes like Ultimate Street Corn Cucumber Chicken Salad, enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Conclusion

With its moist texture and delightful flavor, Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread is sure to become a beloved addition to your family’s recipe collection. Not only does it utilize garden-fresh ingredients, but it also embodies the spirit of traditional baking methods passed down through generations. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful taste of summer in every bite of Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread!

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Great-Grandma’s Cucumber Bread

Recipe by amine

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 1 loaf +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

60 min

🔥

Calories

—

This savory quick bread is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the subtle sweetness of cucumbers with the warm, comforting taste of homemade bread. Passed down through generations, this recipe has become a staple in our family, often gracing our tables at summer picnics and gatherings.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup finely grated cucumber (about 1 large cucumber)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well for added crunch)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Directions

1.

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

2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until well blended.

3.

In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: grated cucumber, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.

4.

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just incorporated.

5.

If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins.

6.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8.

Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.