This moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread is like a warm hug in a loaf! With fluffy batter and sweet swirls of cinnamon, it’s a wonderful treat for breakfast or a snack.
Let’s be real: who doesn’t love a tasty way to sneak in some veggies? I love it fresh out of the oven, and it also makes my kitchen smell heavenly! 🥰
Plus, this recipe is a breeze to whip up. Just mix, pour, and bake. It’s the perfect way to use up that extra zucchini from the garden or store! Enjoy it warm or with a bit of butter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your zucchini bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar gives sweetness. If you’re cutting back on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, or try reducing the amount slightly—about 1 to 1.25 cups can work well too.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist. You can swap it with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. If you love the taste of butter, feel free to use that instead.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is best, but you can also use yellow squash if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy loaf.
Nuts: I really enjoy adding chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch, but feel free to leave them out or even try chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
What’s the Best Way to Swirl the Cinnamon into the Batter?
Getting that beautiful cinnamon swirl takes a little finesse but is quite easy. Here’s how to make it a success:
- After pouring half of the batter into the pan, add your cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
- When you add the second layer of batter, gently spread it over the first without disturbing the cinnamon layer too much.
- To create the swirl, use a knife or skewer. Insert it into the batter and gently drag it through the mixture in a side-to-side motion, making figure-eight patterns.
- Don’t overdo it! A couple of swirls are enough to create a pretty effect without mixing it all together.
With these tips, you’ll have a stunning bread that’s not just tasty but a feast for the eyes too! Enjoy baking! 🍞
Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Allow another 10 minutes for cooling in the pan, and then it’s ready to slice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will ensure your bread doesn’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This will ensure your leavening agents are evenly distributed. Set this aside for now.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until fully combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor!
4. Bring It All Together:
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gradually mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
5. Fold in the Zucchini and Nuts:
Gently fold in the finely shredded zucchini and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) into the batter. This will make your bread moist and add a wonderful texture.
6. Create the Layers:
Pour half of the zucchini batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of sugar with the 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for the swirl. Sprinkle half of this mix evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter over this layer.
7. Add the Final Swirl:
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the second layer of batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create that beautiful cinnamon swirl effect!
8. Bake and Cool:
Bake your loaf in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once cool, slice the bread and serve it up! This moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread is great on its own, or you can enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
This bread will stay moist for several days if wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just be sure to wrap it well!
FAQ for Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the zucchini completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the right moisture level in your bread.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
You can use melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, or even good quality butter as a substitute for vegetable oil. Each will lend a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all keep your bread moist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Ingredients, Like Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or additional spices to customize your zucchini bread. Just keep in mind that adding extra ingredients can affect baking time slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
