This moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread is a delightful treat! With its sweet, spiced flavor and tender texture, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra zucchini!
I love how easy it is to make—just mix and bake! It always makes my kitchen smell amazing, and I can never resist having a slice (or two)! 🥒🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grated Zucchini: The star of this bread, zucchini adds moisture and keeps the loaf soft. If you can’t find zucchini, you could substitute with grated carrots for a similar effect.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great, but for gluten-free options, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind the texture may change a bit.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugars gives the best flavor. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce both or use honey or maple syrup instead (adjust the wet ingredients slightly).
Eggs: They help bind everything together. If you’re vegan, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) work well here.
Nuts: I like adding walnuts or pecans for a crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to skip this or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Swirl in My Zucchini Bread?
Creating the cinnamon swirl can be a bit tricky! Here are some tips for that perfect marbling effect:
- After pouring in the first half of the batter, sprinkle on half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
- Then, after adding the remaining batter, spread it gently to avoid mixing it with the cinnamon-sugar layer below.
- When swirling, make quick, gentle motions with a knife or skewer. This way, you avoid over-mixing, which can blend the layers too much!
Following these simple steps will help you create beautiful swirls that not only look great but taste amazing too! Enjoy your baking adventure! 🌟
Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium-large zucchini), squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 55-65 minutes for baking. Plus, about 10-15 minutes to cool before slicing. You’ll have a delicious loaf ready in a little over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Loaf Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional spices (nutmeg and cloves). Set this bowl aside; we’ll come back to it in a bit!
3. Preparing the Wet Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix well until everything is combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—remember not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps! This will keep your bread moist and tender.
5. Adding Zucchini and Nuts:
Fold in the grated zucchini and nuts (if you’re using them) until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Making the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. It’s that simple!
7. Layering the Mixtures:
Pour half of the zucchini bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer.
8. Completing the Layers:
Next, pour the remaining batter on top and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the leftover cinnamon sugar over the top layer for that delightful swirl effect.
9. Creating the Swirl:
Using a knife or skewer, gently drag it through the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl; you want to keep distinct layers for that beautiful look!
10. Baking the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
11. Cooling Down:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
12. Enjoying Your Bread:
Slice your delicious, moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread and enjoy! It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
This bread stays fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Feel free to freeze any extra slices for up to 3 months!
Enjoy your baking! 🍞✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the frozen zucchini completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This ensures your bread stays moist and doesn’t become too watery.
Can I Substitute the Oil with Applesauce?
Absolutely! You can replace the vegetable oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. This will also help keep the bread moist while reducing the overall fat content.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
How Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help the bread rise and maintain texture. The results will be delicious!
