If you’ve never tried cinnamon streusel zucchini bread, oh boy, you’re in for a treat! Imagine a loaf that’s so moist and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth. The best part? It’s packed with grated zucchini, which not only adds a lovely texture but also sneaks in some extra moisture and nutrients. Seriously, it’s like a delicious way to get your veggies in!
This recipe has a special place in my heart because it was one of the first things I baked when I started my cooking adventure. I remember my grandma always making her version, and when I took my first bite, it felt like a warm hug from home. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible, and that buttery, crumbly streusel topping? Pure magic!
Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, this bread is perfect for any time of day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe when I want to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you take a slice, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know—just be prepared for them to beg you for the recipe!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for streusel)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Trust me, nothing worse than a loaf that’s soggy in the middle!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine that glorious grated zucchini with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like to use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. The zucchini will add such a moist texture, and the sugars will create that irresistible sweetness!
Combine the Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s shift gears and grab another bowl. Here, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture is where all the magic happens, so make sure there are no lumps. The cinnamon will make your kitchen smell divine, I promise!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
It’s time to bring it all together! Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! A few lumps are totally okay; they’ll bake out and keep your bread tender and fluffy.
Add Walnuts
If you’re feeling nutty, now’s the time to fold in those chopped walnuts. They add a lovely crunch and flavor, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to skip this step. The bread will still be fabulous without them!
Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter for your streusel topping. You want it to be crumbly but cohesive. This is the part that adds that deliciously sweet and crunchy layer on top—don’t skip it!
Layer the Batter and Streusel
Grab your greased loaf pan and pour in half of the batter. Then, sprinkle half of that heavenly streusel on top. Next, add the remaining batter, and finish off with the rest of the streusel. It’s like a little surprise waiting to be discovered when you slice into the bread!
Bake the Bread
Slide your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, and keep an eye on it towards the end; the smell will be so tempting, you might just want to dive in early!
Cool and Slice
Once your kitchen is filled with that mouthwatering aroma, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s hard to wait, but letting it cool will give you the best texture when you slice into it. Patience is a virtue, my friend!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk tips because I want your cinnamon streusel zucchini bread to be as incredible as possible! Here are my favorite secrets for success:
- Squeeze that Zucchini: Before you grate your zucchini, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture. I like to use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels—this little step helps prevent a soggy loaf!
- Measure Carefully: Baking is all about precision! Make sure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour, and don’t pack it down. This will ensure your bread has the perfect texture!
- Room Temperature Eggs: If you can, use room temperature eggs. They blend better into the batter and help create a lighter loaf. Just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. A few lumps are totally fine!
- Add Flavor Boosters: Feel free to throw in some extra spices like nutmeg or a splash of almond extract for a unique twist. You can also substitute some of the granulated sugar for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so be sure to check your bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean, but a few crumbs are okay!
- Cool Completely: I know the aroma is irresistible, but letting your bread cool completely before slicing will give you the best texture. It’s worth the wait, I promise!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious cinnamon streusel zucchini bread ever! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional aspects of this delightful cinnamon streusel zucchini bread. Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This bread is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a way to sneak in some veggies! Just remember, if you’re keeping an eye on your diet, you can always adjust the sugar content or swap in healthier alternatives. Enjoy your baking, and savor every delicious slice!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect cinnamon streusel zucchini bread? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my trusty answers to help you out:
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture. Frozen zucchini works like a charm and is a great way to use up your summer stash!
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No problem at all! You can leave them out entirely, or substitute with pecans, chocolate chips, or any nut you prefer. It’ll still be delicious without them!
How should I store the bread?
To keep your cinnamon streusel zucchini bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make this bread vegan?
You bet! Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a plant-based oil. It’s a tasty twist that still delivers on flavor!
How do I know when the bread is done?
Great question! Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If you see wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I add other spices?
Definitely! Feel free to add some nutmeg, allspice, or even a dash of ginger for a fun flavor twist. Just remember to balance it with the cinnamon so it doesn’t overpower the bread!
What’s the best way to slice the bread?
For the perfect slices, use a serrated knife and let the bread cool completely before cutting. This helps you avoid squishing the loaf and gives you nice, even pieces to enjoy!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Baking is all about experimenting and having fun, so enjoy the process of making this delightful cinnamon streusel zucchini bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the zucchini, this bread is super moist and tender, making every bite a delight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar creates a flavor profile that’s simply out of this world.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip this up with confidence!
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread fits into any part of your day.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a loaf to share with friends or family, and watch them rave about your baking skills!
- Freezes Well: Make a double batch and freeze one for later—it’s just as delicious when thawed!
- Healthier Indulgence: With zucchini hidden inside, you can feel good about sneaking some veggies into your treats!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious cinnamon streusel zucchini bread, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh as long as possible! To store leftovers, simply place the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll keep well for about 3 days—perfect for snacking throughout the week!
If you find yourself with more bread than you can eat in that time, don’t worry! This bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat, but if you prefer it warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and you’ll have that fresh-baked aroma filling your kitchen all over again!
With these storage tips, you can savor your cinnamon streusel zucchini bread whenever the craving strikes! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Imprimer
Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread: 7 Irresistible Tips for Flavor
- Temps Total: 85 minutes
- Rendement: 1 loaf 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A moist and flavorful zucchini bread topped with a cinnamon streusel.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix grated zucchini, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- If using, fold in chopped walnuts.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter for the streusel topping.
- Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel on top, then add the remaining batter.
- Top with the remaining streusel.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from zucchini.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 65 minutes
- Catégorie: Baking
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 35mg
Mots-clés: cinnamon streusel zucchini bread
