This moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread is a delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or snack time. It’s packed with fresh zucchini and sweet cinnamon, making every bite soft and flavorful!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this bread. I love making it with my kids—grated zucchini everywhere! 😂 Trust me, it’s worth the mess when the smell fills your kitchen.
Slice it warm and spread a bit of butter on top; it’s simply the best! Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get veggies into your diet. Who knew health could taste so good?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini adds moisture and helps keep the bread soft. If you don’t have zucchini, you could use grated carrots or apples as a substitute, although it will alter the flavor slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option. Just keep in mind it may make the bread denser.
Oils: Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil both work well. If you want to reduce fat, consider unsweetened applesauce as a part replacement for oil.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add nice texture. If you have nut allergies or want to keep it nut-free, feel free to omit them completely or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is what makes this bread special, and getting it right is quite simple! Make sure to mix the cinnamon sugar mixture thoroughly so it’s evenly flavored.
- After spreading half of the batter, use a spoon to sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, but don’t just leave it flat; spread it gently to create layers.
- For the final touch, sprinkle the last of the cinnamon sugar and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter. You can do this by making a figure-eight motion.
Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want to see the beautiful marbled pattern instead of blending everything together into one color!
Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
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)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires about 50-60 minutes of baking time. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Overall, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy your fresh cinnamon swirl zucchini bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Bakeware:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it lightly with butter or oil, then dust it with flour, or simply line it with parchment paper for easier removal later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg if you’re using it. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until everything is well blended. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
5. Add Zucchini and Nuts:
Fold in the grated zucchini and any chopped nuts you’re using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter until it forms a paste.
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the zucchini bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, making sure to spread it out.
8. Add the Remaining Batter:
Pour the rest of your batter into the pan and spread it evenly again. Then, top this layer with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Create the Swirl:
Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the top to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl; you want to see distinct ribbons of cinnamon!
10. Bake to Perfection:
Place your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it when you’re ready to serve—enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
This zucchini bread is not only moist and fluffy but also filled with a delightful cinnamon swirl, making each bite special. Serve it with a smear of butter or cream cheese for extra yumminess!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Just note that it may result in a denser bread. For an even lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer bag to freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and using a plant-based oil. Make sure to use a vegan sugar alternative if needed, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, grated carrots or apples make great substitutes. Just keep in mind that using apples will add a slightly different flavor, and using carrots can lend a nice sweetness!
