Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spice with this Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread recipe that’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make! This bread combines the fresh moisture of shredded zucchini with the warm cinnamon swirl you love in classic cinnamon rolls, delivering a delightful treat that’s perfect any time of day. Rich but not too sweet, tender but with a little crumbly bite, this is one recipe that’ll quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A comfort in every bite: The warm cinnamon swirl brings a cozy flavor that feels like a hug from the inside.
• Moist and fresh: The zucchini adds natural moisture, so the bread stays soft for days.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginners can follow with confidence.
• Versatile snack or breakfast: Sweet enough for dessert, but wholesome enough for your morning cup of coffee.
• Uses fresh produce: A delicious way to sneak some veggies into your baked goods without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread plays an important role, whether it’s enhancing the moist texture, adding spice, or creating that gorgeous cinnamon swirl. Keep things simple with pantry staples and fresh zucchini for the best experience.

• Grated zucchini: Adds moisture and a subtle fresh flavor without overpowering the bread.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Sweetness and depth, with the brown sugar boosting the cinnamon flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: The hero spice that gives this bread its signature warmth.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help your bread rise and stay fluffy.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding richness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without adding heavy butter flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors and adds a lovely sweetness.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and extra moisture for softness.
• Sugar and cinnamon for swirl: The sweet cinnamon twist that makes this bread truly special.

Variations for Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s wonderfully flexible and can easily be tweaked to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or simply to switch up the flavor profile.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
• Swap sweeteners: Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe option.
• Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle in semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper, holiday-like spice profile.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini

Start by shredding fresh zucchini and gently squeezing out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. This step ensures your bread stays moist but not soggy.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and any additional spices you want to highlight.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, sugars, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Blend wet and dry

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Add zucchini

Fold the shredded zucchini into the batter evenly, ensuring every bite has that fresh veggie goodness.

Step 6: Create cinnamon swirl

Mix cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle half into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan. Pour half the batter on top, add the remaining cinnamon sugar, then finish by pouring the rest of the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar throughout the batter for that signature look and taste.

Step 7: Bake and cool

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread

• Don’t over-shred zucchini: Keep the shreds medium-sized to retain more texture.
• Drain zucchini well: Excess moisture can make the bread too wet and heavy.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly for a perfect crumb.
• Swirl with care: For a defined cinnamon roll effect, swirl just enough but don’t overmix the batter after.
• Check early: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool properly: Cooling fully before slicing ensures perfect slices that won’t crumble.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze takes this bread to the next level with added sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a fruity yogurt for a balanced snack or breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve warm with a pat of butter or alongside fresh fruit for a colorful, inviting spread that’s sure to impress guests or family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap slices or the whole loaf in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly for a fresh-baked taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Yes! Yellow squash works similarly in texture and moisture content, making it a great substitute in this recipe.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No peeling is necessary; the skin adds color, nutrients, and extra moisture to the bread.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace sour cream or Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream alternatives.

Is the bread sweet enough without glaze?

Yes, the cinnamon sugar swirl adds plenty of sweetness, but a glaze can add an extra special touch if desired.

What’s the best way to shred zucchini?

Using a box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment works best and speeds up prep time.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread is the epitome of cozy meets fresh, blending garden goodness with the nostalgic cinnamon swirl you can’t resist. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten your day and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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