Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (fan 160°C)
Grease and line a 8.5X4.5 inch (21.5 x 11.4 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. Ensure it hangs over the sides of the tin for easy removal after baking
Flour mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cup (220g) flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
Egg mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, ¾ cup (150g) sugar, ¾ cup (180ml) oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if using.
Combine flour and egg mixture: Add the flour mixture into the bowl with the egg mixture.
With a folding motion, use a spatula to mix the ingredients just until incorporated.
Add 2 cups (about 240g) shredded or grated zucchini
If using chopped pecans, add ¼ cup of it into the batter now with the zucchini.
Use a spatula to fold in all the ingredients, just until incorporated.
Transfer the batter into the lined loaf pan
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup chopped pecans (if using) over the batter.
Place the loaf pan on the middle rack of your oven.
If the top starts browning too fast, just cover with foil halfway through baking. Make sure to shape the foil into a little dome so it doesn't touch the batter while the loaf bakes.
After baking, leave the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes. Then gently remove it from the pan with the help of the baking paper.
Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack. Leave to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. (See note 5)