Name: Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487912H13M53S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup zucchini (finely shredded); 2 eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon cloves; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re hunting for a stunning way to celebrate zucchini season, look no further than this Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread. It’s the kind of quick bread that vanishes in minutes, thanks to a super tender crumb, a layer of cinnamon sugar swirling through every slice, and a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Whether it’s for a casual breakfast, a mid-afternoon treat, or a cozy homemade gift, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.

Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how this humble list of ingredients creates such an irresistible loaf. Each component has a unique role: from the zucchini that ensures unmatched moistness, to the cinnamon that perfumes every bite. Don’t skip a thing — every ingredient counts in achieving the perfect Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread.

Zucchini (1 cup, finely shredded): The star ingredient provides incredible moisture and a subtle, earthy flavor, while practically disappearing into the bread.
Eggs (2): Add structure and richness, binding the batter together for a just-right crumb.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the bread soft and tender, and helps it stay fresh longer.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and extra moisture, making the bread undeniably soft.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the loaf a sweet, cozy aroma that enhances every other flavor.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for the bread’s soft, cake-like texture.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup + 1/2 cup, divided): Sweetens the batter, and is also used for the irresistible cinnamon swirl.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise for a lovely, fluffy loaf.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lifts every other flavor to new heights.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon + 1 Tablespoon, divided): Essential for both the spiced batter and the standout swirl.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a warm, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a tiny, fragrant punch that makes the flavor profile pop.

How to Make Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, ensuring it’s properly hot when your batter is ready. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and secure the sides with binder clips if you have them — this helps the paper stay put and makes turning out the loaf a cinch later. These small steps set the stage for a perfectly shaped Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread every single time.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded zucchini, eggs, vegetable oil, plain Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well blended — you want a smooth, cohesive mix. The zucchini will look plentiful, but don’t worry! It will bake into the bread almost invisibly, leaving only its moisture behind.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, add the all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re evenly combined. This step ensures that the spices and leaveners are distributed throughout the loaf, guaranteeing flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Now, gradually sift the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold them together, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing — a few lumps are fine! Overworking the batter can make the bread tough and create large air bubbles instead of a lovely, tender crumb.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Grab a small bowl and combine the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Stir until you have a fragrant, toasty-sweet blend that will become the swirl and topping for your Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it out to the edges. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly overtop. Add the rest of the batter, spread gently, then finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Now, take a butter knife and create a swirl pattern by moving the knife up and down, then side to side, through the batter. This will give each slice a beautiful cinnamon ribbon.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. When the top is deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, your loaf is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Give yourself a pat on the back — the aroma filling the kitchen is pure heaven!

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Once the bread has cooled enough to handle, lift it from the pan, slice thickly, and serve. You’ll notice how the swirl adds both beauty and bursts of sweet cinnamon. Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread tastes incredible slightly warm, but it stays lovely for days (if it lasts that long!).

How to Serve Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

This bread truly shines all on its own, but if you want to dress it up, try a quick dusting of powdered sugar, a spoonful of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze. For a nutty crunch, scatter some toasted pecans or walnuts over each slice just before serving.

Side Dishes

For a satisfying breakfast, pair your slice with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a handful of berries. In the afternoon, it pairs beautifully with a mug of coffee, chai, or even an iced latte for that perfect pick-me-up. The possibilities for rounding out a snack or brunch board with Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread are endless!

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the loaf! Try cutting thick slices and grilling them lightly for a warm twist, or cube the bread to make a showstopping trifle layered with whipped cream and berries. For a cozy dessert, warm a slice and top with vanilla ice cream. However you serve it, this bread invites creativity in every form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any left (lucky you!), store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavor and texture get even better after a day, as the spices meld and the moisture develops further — so don’t be afraid to bake ahead.

Freezing

Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread freezes beautifully. Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Tuck it into a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for easy snacking — perfect for those surprise guests or mornings when you need something comforting in a flash.

Reheating

To refresh a frozen or chilled slice, pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm it gently in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes. This revives the texture and brings back that just-baked aroma, making each bite as inviting as when it first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil or yogurt?

Absolutely! You can substitute melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even light olive oil for the vegetable oil. For yogurt, sour cream works nicely and adds a similar creaminess, while non-dairy yogurt can make this bread dairy-free without compromising flavor or moisture.

Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding it?

No need to peel! The skin blends right in and actually adds a speck of color, plus a bit of extra nutrition. Just wash the zucchini well, trim the ends, and grate away.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

If you’re out of Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt (reduce the liquid slightly), sour cream, or even buttermilk. Each option will keep the loaf as moist and delicious as promised.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The best way is the trusty toothpick test: insert one in the center, and it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Also, the loaf will puff up and turn a rich golden brown. Try not to open the oven door in the first 50 minutes of baking to prevent sinking.

Can I double the recipe for gift giving or freezing?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Simply prepare two pans and divide the batter evenly. Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread makes a heartfelt gift, and extra loaves are a lifesaver for busy weeks or impromptu get-togethers.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give this Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread a try. It’s as cozy and comforting as baking can get, filling your home with sweet spice and your table with smiles. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature loaf for every occasion!

Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Moist and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread is a delightful twist on traditional zucchini bread, with a sweet cinnamon swirl running through it. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper and secure with binder clips.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, oil, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually sift dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Create Cinnamon Swirl: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
Layer Batter: Pour half of the batter into the pan, top with half of the cinnamon sugar, then add the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 60-65 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American