This cinnamon swirl zucchini bread is a tasty treat! With moist zucchini and a sweet cinnamon swirl, it’s perfect as a snack or breakfast. Yum!
I love how easy this bread is to make and how it fills the kitchen with a wonderful smell while baking. It’s hard to resist sneaking a slice while it cools down! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini keeps the bread moist. If you can’t find zucchini, you can substitute with grated carrots or applesauce. Both will add natural sweetness and moisture!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for flavor. If you want a different twist, try cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, spiced flavor.
Oils and Sugars: I use vegetable oil for a light texture, but melted coconut oil works too! For sweetness, you can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey, though honey will alter the texture slightly.
Eggs: If you’re vegan or allergic, applesauce or flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) can be used!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Swirl in My Zucchini Bread?
Creating that beautiful cinnamon swirl is simple! It’s all about layering the batter and topping correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour half of the batter into the greased pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it.
- Next, spoon the remaining batter on top, careful not to disturb the swirl below.
- Sprinkle the last bit of cinnamon mixture on top, then take a butter knife and gently make a few swirling motions through the batter. Don’t overdo it; you want distinct swirls!
- This method ensures that you get yummy cinnamon pockets throughout your bread!
Best 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for batter)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Other:
- Butter or oil for greasing the loaf pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cinnamon swirl zucchini bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 55-65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget about the cooling time of 15 minutes before slicing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. This will help blend everything evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they are well combined. This mixture should look smooth and creamy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor!
5. Stir in the Zucchini:
Time to add in the grated zucchini! Mix it gently into the wet ingredients until it’s well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the bread may become tough.
7. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon swirl ingredients: 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of flour. This will create a delicious layer of sweetness.
8. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the zucchini bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of this batter layer.
9. Repeat with the Remaining Batter:
Now, pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl layer, and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top once more. Yummy!
10. Create the Swirl:
Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon topping into the batter. This gives your bread that beautiful marbled look!
11. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
12. Cool the Bread:
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
13. Enjoy!
Your delicious, moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread is now ready to be served! Enjoy it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s a treat!
FAQ for Best Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour; just keep in mind that the texture might be denser. You can also use a mix of both for a lighter result!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life for a week. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out!
Can I Freeze This Zucchini Bread?
Yes, this bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
What Variations Can I Try with This Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch, or throw in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries work well too!
