Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread: 1 Amazing Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread has a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of lazy summer afternoons and the comforting aroma that filled my grandmother’s kitchen. This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist zucchini bread with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced topping that’s truly irresistible. It’s like having a slice of bakery-style zucchini bread right in your own home, perfect for using up that garden bounty. You’ll love the tender crumb and the delightful crunchy cinnamon streusel that makes every bite special. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

The flavor is absolutely divine, with a perfect balance of cinnamon spice and sweetness.
It’s surprisingly quick to whip up; you’ll be amazed how fast you can go from prep to pan.
It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables, making it a slightly healthier treat.
Using zucchini makes this bread incredibly moist and tender.
The crunchy streusel topping adds a delightful texture that elevates this from simple bread to a special occasion treat.
It’s wonderfully budget-friendly, especially when zucchini is in season.
This recipe is a guaranteed hit with the whole family, a true taste of homemade zucchini bread they’ll ask for again and again.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious and sweet zucchini bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender bread
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda – for that perfect rise
½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – essential spices for that cozy flavor
¾ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup light brown sugar, packed – for sweetness and moisture
2 large eggs – bind everything together
½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) – keeps the bread incredibly moist
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream – adds extra tenderness and moisture
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry) – the star ingredient for a moist crumb
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – creates that irresistible crumbly topping

How to Make Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, properly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and then line it with parchment paper. This ensures your beautiful spiced zucchini bread won’t stick.
Step 2: Let’s whip up that delightful streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Then, cut in the ¼ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Pop this in the fridge to chill while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. This blend is key to a perfectly textured loaf.
Step 4: In a larger bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Combine ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup neutral oil, ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 3 into the wet ingredients from Step 4. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
Step 6: Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of shredded zucchini that you’ve squeezed dry. You want to distribute it evenly throughout the batter for that signature moistness.
Step 7: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the chilled cinnamon streusel topping all over the surface. This topping is what gives this bread its amazing texture and flavor.
Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, meaning your crunchy zucchini bread is perfectly baked.
Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the best texture before slicing.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

Follow these tips to guarantee a perfect loaf every time:

Always squeeze out as much moisture as possible from your shredded zucchini. This prevents a soggy bread and ensures a tender crumb.
Keep your streusel topping cold until you’re ready to sprinkle it on. This helps it bake up into a delicious, crispy layer.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to the wet. Gentle mixing is key to a light and airy texture.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, but avoid overbaking, which can dry out your delicious zucchini bread.

What’s the secret to perfect Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread?

The real secret lies in properly prepping the zucchini by squeezing out excess moisture and not overmixing the batter. A perfectly balanced streusel with cold butter also ensures that delightful cinnamon crumb topping. For more baking tips, check out these typography insights.

Can I make Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the batter and streusel topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread?

The most common mistake is not squeezing the zucchini dry, leading to a gummy texture. Another pitfall is overmixing the batter, which can result in a tough loaf. Ensure your oven is accurately preheated and don’t overbake. Learning about proper ingredient preparation can help avoid these issues, similar to how one might prepare for char siu chicken.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

This delightful bread is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a truly comforting experience, try enjoying a warm slice with a dollop of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey. It’s also wonderful served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. You can even elevate it to a more dessert-like status by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This bakery-style zucchini bread is so versatile, making it a go-to treat for any occasion! Consider pairing it with a refreshing lemon-mint cucumber water.

Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

Let’s look at the nutritional breakdown for this delicious treat, per serving (assuming 10 servings per loaf):

Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

Properly storing your homemade zucchini bread ensures it stays fresh and delicious. Once your bread has completely cooled on a wire rack, it’s time to think about storage. For enjoying within a few days, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep your delicious zucchini bread longer, the freezer is your best friend! Wrap the cooled loaf securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat a slice, you can gently warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast it in a toaster oven for a slightly crispier texture. For other storage tips, explore how to keep carnivore ice cream fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread

Can I substitute the zucchini in this bread?

While zucchini is key to the signature moisture, you can try grated yellow squash or even finely chopped applesauce for a similar effect. However, zucchini truly creates that wonderfully moist zucchini bread texture.

How do I get the best cinnamon streusel topping?

The trick is to ensure your butter is cold and cubed. Cutting the cold butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs is essential. Keeping the streusel chilled until just before baking also helps it stay crispier. This technique is similar to what makes St. Patrick’s Day macarons so delightful.

What makes this zucchini bread taste so good?

It’s a combination of factors! The fresh zucchini contributes moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the blend of cinnamon and nutmeg provides warmth and spice. The brown sugar adds depth, and the crunchy cinnamon streusel topping brings it all together for a truly delicious slice of moist zucchini bread.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans, or even mini chocolate chips, are fantastic additions. Fold them into the batter along with the zucchini for an extra layer of flavor and texture. They complement the moist zucchini bread beautifully. You might also enjoy adding them to healthy oat cookies.

Variations of Cinnamon Streusel Zucchini Bread You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up your sweet zucchini bread! For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You can also transform this into delicious muffins by dividing the batter into a prepared muffin tin and adjusting the baking time to about 20-22 minutes. Looking for a bit more decadence? Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts into the batter along with the zucchini for an extra burst of flavor and texture. These simple tweaks keep things exciting and ensure you can enjoy this comforting bread in new ways! Consider trying a Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for another delicious variation.