This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is a lovely way to use up those garden zucchinis! It’s moist, delicious, and the cinnamon swirl adds a sweet twist you’re sure to love.
I can’t resist a slice warm from the oven, maybe with a pat of butter! Plus, it’s a good way to sneak in some veggies—shh, it’s our little secret! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are great for moisture and texture. If you don’t have zucchini, you can try using grated carrots or even applesauce for a similar moistness.
Baking powder/baking soda: These help the bread rise. If you’re out of one, you can make a substitute: for 1 tsp baking powder, use 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice.
Vegetable oil: I prefer vegetable oil for a lighter texture, but melted butter will add a nice richness. If you want a healthier option, you can use applesauce instead.
Glaze: The glaze adds sweetness and shine. If you want it dairy-free, swap milk for almond milk or even water.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Zucchini?
Properly preparing your zucchini is key to a moist bread without excessive sogginess. Here’s how to do it right:
- Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater.
- Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, gather the grated zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
- Once drained, set the zucchini aside before mixing into the batter.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Swirled Cinnamon Bread?
Swirling the cinnamon mixture into your bread can be tricky. Here’s how to get those beautiful swirls every time:
- After pouring half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture evenly over it.
- Add the remaining batter on top and then the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
- Gently run a knife or skewer through the batter in a figure-eight pattern to swirl the cinnamon without completely mixing it in.
Best Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated, drained)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze (optional but recommended):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini bread takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit before slicing. In total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes before enjoying a warm slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a coarse grater. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is important to ensure your bread isn’t too watery. Set the drained zucchini aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While preparing your ingredients, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps combine the dry ingredients evenly. Set this mixture aside for later use.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with both the granulated and brown sugars until well combined. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing well to create a smooth mixture.
5. Combine the Zucchini and Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the drained grated zucchini into the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry mixture to the bowl, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix as that can result in a denser bread.
6. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and evenly moistened.
7. Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly on top. Then, pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter, creating that delightful cinnamon swirl effect.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness using a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents it from getting soggy.
10. Make the Glaze:
If you’d like to add a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to get a drizzling consistency as desired.
11. Glaze the Bread:
After the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing into that delicious loaf!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful zucchini bread with a lovely cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze! Perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or sharing with friends!
FAQ for Best Easy Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure that the frozen zucchini is completely thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out, just like fresh zucchini. This will help maintain the bread’s texture.
What If I Don’t Have Any Brown Sugar?
No problem! You can substitute granulated sugar in place of brown sugar. If you want to replicate the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of molasses to granulated sugar for a similar effect.
How Should I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it completely before enjoying!
Can I Omit the Glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet bread, feel free to skip the glaze. The cinnamon swirl in the bread provides plenty of flavor, and it’s delicious on its own!
