This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is a fantastic way to enjoy veggies in your snacks! Soft, sweet, and filled with just the right amount of cinnamon, it’s a treat for everyone.
You won’t believe it’s made with zucchini! I love baking this on a cozy day and sharing it with friends. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell like a bakery! Yum! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated and brown sugar: These sugars add sweetness and moisture. You can swap them for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute based on your preference.
Zucchini: Fresh is best! If zucchini isn’t available, grated carrots could work too, though they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon really enhances the sweetness of the bread. You can experiment with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a different flavor profile!
Nuts or chocolate chips: These are optional but add a nice crunch or sweetness. If you want a nut-free version, just leave them out. Dried fruits, like raisins, could be a fun substitute too!
How Can I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
Creating the cinnamon swirl is easy but requires a bit of technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by evenly dividing the batter in the pan, which helps the swirl mix well without sinking.
- When sprinkling the cinnamon sugar, make sure to cover the batter evenly, but don’t just dump it all in one spot.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the sugar into the batter. Zigzag motions work best—don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the distinct spiral!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can double the swirl amount for an even richer cinnamon flavor!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a beautifully swirled zucchini bread that’s sure to impress! Enjoy baking!
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 (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cinnamon swirl zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit before slicing, so plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes total. It’s a quick and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it well, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This keeps your bread from sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and the optional nutmeg if you wish to use it. Once everything is mixed, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs along with both the granulated and brown sugars until they are well combined. Add in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing everything thoroughly together.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Add Zucchini and Optional Ingredients:
Fold the grated zucchini into the batter gently. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, add those in as well! This is where your bread gets its delightful texture and flavor.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the remaining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This is the sweet swirl that will make your bread extra delicious!
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Then, pour the rest of the batter on top, followed by the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Create the Cinnamon Swirl:
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Do this carefully so that you still have nice layers in your bread!
9. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready! If the top is getting too brown, gently cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your moist, flavorful zucchini bread with that delightful cinnamon swirl!
flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and replace the vegetable oil with applesauce or any plant-based oil. The results will still be delicious!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
You can customize this bread by adding various ingredients! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries make excellent additions. You could also experiment with spices like ginger or cloves for a different flavor profile.
FAQ for Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute the Zucchini with Something Else?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have zucchini, grated carrots can be a great alternative. They will change the flavor slightly but will still yield a delicious bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just slice it before freezing for easy thawing!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground
