This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is a treat! With soft, fluffy bread and sweet cinnamon swirls, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Who knew sneaking veggies could taste this good? I love having a slice with my morning coffee—it feels like a little hug in each bite! ☕🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your zucchini bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it should work just fine!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots work well too, though the flavor will be a bit different. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.
Granulated Sugar: I love using granulated sugar for sweetness, but you could swap in coconut sugar for a more earthy flavor. Keep in mind it may darken the bread slightly.
Vegetable Oil: This adds richness. If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace it with applesauce. This will also boost moisture without adding extra fat.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. If you want a kick, try adding some cardamom or cloves for extra depth!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
To create the lovely cinnamon swirl, follow these simple steps to ensure it blends beautifully through your bread:
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together until well combined. This will be your cinnamon swirl mix.
- When layering in the loaf pan, pour half the batter, then sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture before adding the second half of the batter and the remaining cinnamon mix on top.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter. Just a few gentle strokes will do—too much swirling can mix it all together!
This technique gives you that delightful stripes of sweet cinnamon flavor in each slice. Enjoy your baking!
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious zucchini bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 50 to 60 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow about 10 minutes for cooling in the pan, plus some additional time to cool on a wire rack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure nothing sticks!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). This mixes everything well for a nice, even rise!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Mix it All Together:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined for a lovely, fluffy texture—don’t overmix or you might end up with tough bread!
5. Fold in the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds moisture and delicious flavor!
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the yummy swirl. Set it aside for a moment.
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter for that delightful swirl effect.
8. Finish the Layers:
Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the last of the cinnamon sugar on the very top before giving it some gentle swirls with a knife or skewer to create that pretty cinnamon swirl.
9. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf into the oven and let it bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done!
10. Cool & Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into it!
Now enjoy your moist, flavorful Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread! Perfect with coffee or as a snack any time of day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio blend, and you should get excellent results!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes, feel free to add 1/2 to 1 cup of walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter if you want some extra crunch or sweetness. Just fold them in along with the zucchini!
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
If zucchini is unavailable, you can substitute it with grated carrots or even applesauce for added moisture. The flavors will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
