This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is moist and delicious, packed with fresh zucchini and swirls of sweet cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack!
I secretly love how easy it is to make. Just mix, pour, and bake! Plus, it gives me an excuse to eat veggies in my treats. Who knew we’d be so creative? 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your bread. You can swap it with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, or use gluten-free flour if needed, just ensure it’s a blend meant for baking.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use applesauce or yogurt as a substitute. However, it may alter the richness a bit.
Zucchini: Fresh, grated zucchini is key here. You can also use yellow squash as a substitute. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
Cinnamon: It adds that warm, familiar flavor. If you want to mix it up, try using pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice instead; they also have a lovely blend of flavors!
How Do I Make Sure My Cinnamon Swirl Is Perfectly Mixed?
The art of the cinnamon swirl can be tricky! You’re looking for that beautiful mix without overdoing it. Here’s how to do it right:
- Before swirling, pour half the batter into the loaf pan, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Next, add the rest of the batter carefully on top.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar and gently use a knife to swirl it in. Just a few gentle moves are enough to create a lovely pattern.
Remember, less is more! You want to see swirls, not a mixed batter.
Easy 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 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for bread batter)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
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 to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow some cooling time before you slice it—so plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to warm up while you prepare your ingredients. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices for the best flavor. Set it aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or a whisk until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important for a tender bread!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Fold in Zucchini:
Stir in the grated zucchini until it’s evenly combined. This will add moisture to your bread and keep it deliciously soft!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. This is your cinnamon swirl mixture that will add sweetness and a lovely flavor throughout the bread.
8. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
9. Add Remaining Batter and Swirl:
Carefully pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it gently to cover the cinnamon mixture. After that, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter without fully mixing it in—this will create that beautiful cinnamon swirl!
10. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. It will be tempting, but letting it cool ensures it slices nicely.
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread!
FAQ for Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the frozen zucchini and squeeze out any excess moisture before grating and using it in the recipe. This will help maintain the right texture for your bread.
How Should 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 freshness for about a week. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). Use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly as well.
How Can I Enhance the Flavor of My Zucchini Bread?
Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture. You can also experiment with adding some vanilla extract or a splash of almond extract for a different spin!
