Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, moist treat that brings together the cozy aroma of cinnamon and the wholesome goodness of zucchini, this Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is about to be your new favorite. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a delightful addition to brunch tables, this loaf boasts a tender crumb and a gorgeous cinnamon-sugar swirl in every slice. Ready to bake up some goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
- Super moist and tender, thanks to fresh zucchini and a touch of oil.
- The cinnamon swirl adds a delicious ribbon of flavor and sweetness to every bite.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients—no fancy equipment needed!
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting during the holidays.
- Freezer-friendly and stays fresh for days.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium, unpeeled)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus 2 teaspoons for swirl)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (plus 2 tablespoons for swirl)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions: How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate zucchini using a box grater; no need to peel.
- Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the grated zucchini.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar swirl.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini to avoid a soggy loaf; see this guide to grating zucchini.
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined for the most tender crumb.
- Try using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for extra nutrition.
Variations: Fun Twists on Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips before baking.
- Nutty Swirl Version: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or swirl layer.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Required Equipment for Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Box grater for zucchini
- Wire rack for cooling
Storage Instructions for Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze slices individually for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or briefly warm in a toaster oven.
Serving and Pairings for Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or cold brew for a cozy treat.
- Enjoy as a sweet addition to brunch spreads alongside eggs and fruit.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
- Weigh your flour for the most accurate results—see this flour weight chart.
- Use freshly grated zucchini for the moistest texture; avoid pre-grated store brands.
- If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon to the batter.
Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread FAQ
- Can I freeze Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread?
- Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently before serving.
- Do I need to peel the zucchini?
- No need! The peel is soft and blends right into the bread, adding fiber and color.
- How do I know when the bread is done?
- The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs—check at the 50-minute mark.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
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3In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and oil until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and grated zucchini.
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4Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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5Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Swirl gently with a knife.
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6Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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