This moist zucchini bread is swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness, making it a treat for any time of the day! It’s soft, flavorful, and a great way to sneak in some veggies.
I love to slice it warm with a pat of butter on top! It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Plus, my kitchen smells amazing when it’s baking—who doesn’t love a little magic? 🥒🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base here, giving structure to the bread. If you want a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour, but consider adjusting the liquid slightly since it absorbs more moisture.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with grated carrots. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.
Oils: Vegetable oil keeps it moist, but feel free to use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
Sugars: Using both granulated and brown sugar gives depth of flavor. You can use all granulated sugar, or try honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind this may change the texture slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Zucchini for Bread?
Grating zucchini is simple, but it’s important to manage its moisture. Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment for quick results. After grating, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding to your batter. This helps prevent sogginess in the bread!
How Do You Achieve a Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is what makes this bread extra special! When layering the batter and cinnamon sugar, it’s vital to not overmix the swirl. Instead, lightly swirl it with a knife or skewer just a few times. This ensures distinct layers of flavor without losing the marbled look!
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
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), drained if very wet
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan and then allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this delicious bread in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily once it’s baked.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it) until everything is well combined.
3. Preparing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together. Beat them until they’re nice and blended. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add some delightful flavor.
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, as we want the bread to stay fluffy!
5. Adding Zucchini and Nuts:
Fold in the grated zucchini along with the chopped nuts if you decided to use them. This will add a nice texture and flavor to your bread!
6. Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together for that sweet swirl. This is going to make your bread extra special!
7. Layering the Batter:
Pour half of the zucchini batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing it out a bit. Then, sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. This creates the lovely swirl effect.
8. Finishing the Batter Layers:
Next, pour the remaining zucchini batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. This will give you that delicious swirl once baked!
9. Swirling it Up:
Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect. Don’t overdo it; just a few gentle turns will do!
10. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it’s done—insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re all set!
11. Cooling:
Once done baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain its moist texture.
12. Enjoy!
Your moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread is ready to be sliced! It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. It tastes delightful warm, especially with a little butter! And if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for days.
Enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour can be a healthier substitute, but keep in mind it may yield a denser texture. You might also need to add a splash more liquid to maintain moisture.
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, it can be refrigerated for a week, or you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize the Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or other nuts. Just keep the total amount of additions to about 1 cup to maintain the right batter consistency.
What Should I Do If My Batter Is Too Thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or yogurt to help loosen it up. This will ensure your bread stays moist and doesn’t become dry while baking!
