This moist zucchini bread is a perfect treat any time of the day! With warm cinnamon swirls throughout, it’s like a hug in a slice.
Making this bread always makes my kitchen smell amazing! I love having it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra zucchini!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, grated zucchini is key for moisture. If you don’t have zucchini, carrots or even applesauce can work in a pinch to keep the bread moist.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Just note it may alter the texture slightly.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. For a vegan alternative, try flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness, while brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. Feel free to use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option!
Oil: I prefer vegetable oil for its neutral taste, but you can substitute melted coconut oil or butter for added richness.
How Can I Ensure My Zucchini Bread is Moist and Not Dense?
To keep your zucchini bread moist, focus on not overmixing the batter. Mix just until you can’t see any dry flour; this helps keep the bread light.
- Check the zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture if it seems watery to prevent a soggy loaf.
- Use a toothpick test: Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Let it cool properly: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a rack helps set its structure.
Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake, making a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s worth the wait as your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread comes out easily once it’s done baking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This mix will help the bread rise and get that cozy spice flavor.
3. Making the Wet Mixture:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Next, stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until mixed nicely together.
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture just until combined. Take care not to overmix! Then, fold in the grated zucchini, incorporating it fully but delicately.
5. Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. This tasty mix is what makes the bread feel extra special!
6. Assembling the Bread:
Pour half of the zucchini batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a butter knife or a skewer to swirl the mixtures together gently for a lovely marbled effect!
7. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end so it doesn’t overbake!
8. Cooling Down:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps set its structure. After that, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serving Up the Goodness:
Slice the bread and enjoy it! It’s perfect as is or with a spread of butter. This bread stays wonderfully moist and can be stored in an airtight container for several days, plus it freezes beautifully if you want to save some for later!
Enjoy your slice of heaven! 🍞✨
FAQ for Moist Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen zucchini to remove excess moisture. This will help maintain the right texture in your bread.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with binding.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently with the zucchini!
