This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is a lovely mix of sweet and spice! With grated zucchini hidden inside, it’s moist and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
The cinnamon swirl adds a cozy touch that makes your kitchen smell amazing. I love slicing a piece warm from the oven with a pat of butter—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the bread. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it will change the texture slightly.
Granulated & brown sugar: These sugars provide sweetness and moisture. If you’re cutting back on sugar, try using a sugar substitute or agave syrup, but remember that it may alter the taste and texture a bit.
Vegetable oil: This makes the bread super moist. If you’d like a lighter option, you can use applesauce in place of some or all of the oil.
Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini adds moisture. If it’s out of season, you can use shredded carrots or even apples for a different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Zucchini?
To make sure your zucchini blends well into the batter, follow these simple steps:
- First, wash the zucchini and trim off the ends.
- Use the largest holes on a box grater or a food processor to grate the zucchini.
- Don’t worry about peeling; the skin is nutritious and adds color!
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This helps avoid a soggy bread!
Keep it simple, and you’ll love the end result! The zucchini blends seamlessly, adding moisture without overwhelming the flavor. Enjoy!
Easy 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, unpeeled)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Time Estimate:
This delicious cinnamon swirl zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 50-60 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing! Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy your masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. This will help blend all the dry ingredients together perfectly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until it’s nice and smooth. Add in the eggs one by one, ensuring you beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Finally, fold in the grated zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. This is what will create that delicious swirl in your bread!
6. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
7. Swirl It Up:
Take a knife or a skewer and gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a beautiful pattern. Be careful not to mix it completely; you want to see those lovely swirls!
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your moist, flavorful cinnamon swirl zucchini bread!
Enjoy your baking, and don’t forget to share a slice with friends or family!
FAQ for Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give the bread a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You might want to replace only half of the all-purpose flour initially to see how you like it before going all in!
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, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Omit the Nuts or Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to leave nuts out if you’re not a fan. You can also add chocolate chips, raisins, or even dried cranberries for a delicious twist!
What If My Zucchini Is Watery?
If your grated zucchini is particularly watery, simply place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This helps to prevent a soggy bread and maintains that perfect texture!
