This Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s packed with fresh zucchini and swirled with cinnamon for an extra tasty twist!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make. I love slicing it up for breakfast or as a snack. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing! Who can resist that? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchini works well here. If you can’t find zucchini, you can substitute with grated carrots or even applesauce for moisture.
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your bread. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed.
Granulated sugar: You can use brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. I love the taste brown sugar brings to baked goods!
Vegetable oil: This keeps the bread moist. You can replace it with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter version.
Ground cinnamon: This gives the bread its warm flavor. Feel free to add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fun twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl adds a beautiful touch to your zucchini bread. To achieve a perfect swirl, follow these steps:
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl in a small bowl first. This helps avoid clumps.
- Layer your batter carefully. Pour half the batter, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar, then add the rest of the batter on top.
- When it’s time to swirl, use a knife or skewer to make a few figure-eight motions through the batter. Be gentle; you want a swirl and not to mix it completely!
These steps ensure a lovely cinnamon flavor throughout without losing the beautiful layers. Enjoy baking!
Moist 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 the bread batter)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious bread from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This will ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed into the flour.
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 looks a bit fluffy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Carefully stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Add the Zucchini and Nuts:
Fold in the grated zucchini and chopped nuts (if you want them). This adds moisture and a delightful crunch to your bread!
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This will be your delicious swirl mix.
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into your prepared bread pan and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
8. Add More Batter and Swirl:
Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently through the batter for that classic cinnamon swirl effect.
9. Bake Your Bread:
Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your moist cinnamon swirl zucchini bread!
Happy baking! This bread is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
FAQ – Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Congrated Zucchini Instead of Fresh?
Fresh grated zucchini is best for moisture and flavor. However, if you have frozen zucchini, you can use that too! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
What Can I Substitute for the Vegetable Oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor. Applesauce is another great lower-fat alternative that keeps the bread moist, but you might need to reduce the sugar slightly since applesauce is sweet!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave if needed!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even swap the nuts for seeds. Just keep the ratios balanced, so you don’t alter the moisture content too much!
