This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is a tasty treat packed with fresh zucchini and sweet cinnamon. It’s super moist and has a delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar!
I love slicing into this bread while it’s still warm, the smell is simply amazing! Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak in some veggies. Who knew zucchini could be so delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our bread. You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may vary a bit.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar keeps this sweet. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just be aware that this may change the flavor slightly.
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini is key for moisture. If zucchini isn’t in season, use shredded carrots or apples as an alternative, just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: This adds to the moistness. For a dairy-free version, try using almond yogurt or even applesauce!
How Do You Properly Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar?
Swirling the cinnamon sugar is a fun step that adds sweet flavor throughout the bread. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After adding half the batter to the pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top.
- Add the rest of the batter, and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar. Don’t worry if it looks uneven at first!
- Take a knife or a skewer and gently make swirls through the batter, creating an “S” pattern. Just a few swirls will do; avoid over-mixing as you want to see the cinnamon swirls.
This technique helps create those pretty swirls in your finished loaf, making it not just tasty but beautiful too!
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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 50-60 minutes to bake. Make sure to give it some cooling time after baking, and you’ll have a warm, tasty treat ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help your bread come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mixing these dry ingredients first will ensure that your bread rises perfectly!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until everything is well combined. Add the vegetable oil, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix this step!
5. Fold in the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini to the batter. This will add moisture and flavor to your bread. Again, do not overmix; just make sure the zucchini is evenly distributed.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This will be your cinnamon swirl mixture!
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar evenly over it.
8. Create the Swirl:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. This creates a lovely marbled effect!
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top becomes too brown, you can cover it loosely with foil.
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will enhance the texture and flavor!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful cinnamon swirl zucchini bread! Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!
FAQ: Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option, but be aware that it may result in a denser bread. You might also need to add a little extra liquid if the batter seems too thick.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
To store leftovers, simply wrap the zucchini bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Freezing is a great option too—just slice it and wrap tightly in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months!
Can I Omit the Nutmeg?
Absolutely! The nutmeg is optional and can be completely omitted if you prefer. You can also substitute it with additional cinnamon if you’d like to enhance the spice flavor.
What Should I Do If My Zucchini Bread Is Dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or too much flour. Be sure to mix just until combined and check that you’re using the correct measurements. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy if necessary!
