This Easy Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread mixes sweet zucchini with warm spices and a touch of cinnamon. It’s soft, fluffy, and smells just like a cozy kitchen!
I love making this bread when I have extra zucchini. Plus, if anyone asks, just say it’s a “healthier” treat! 😄 Slice it up warm with butter for the best experience.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base for this bread, it gives structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend!
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both are essential for rising. If you’re out of baking soda, you can use just baking powder, but you might want to add a little more (about 1/2 teaspoon).
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use grated carrots or applesauce instead, but the flavor will change slightly.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both keep the bread moist. You can replace them with buttermilk or even unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices give the bread its unique snickerdoodle flavor. Experiment with pumpkin pie spice if you want an autumn twist!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Zucchini for Bread?
Squeezing the excess moisture out of the zucchini is crucial for the bread’s texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate your zucchini into a bowl using a box grater.
- Layer the grated zucchini in a kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Twist the towel or cloth and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible.
This step ensures your bread won’t turn out too wet and fall apart. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!
How to Achieve the Perfect Crust?
The cinnamon sugar topping gives a delightful sweet crust! Here’s how to enhance it:
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl for your topping.
- After pouring the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the top.
- For an even crunchier topping, add a little brown sugar into your cinnamon sugar mix.
This simple addition creates a yummy contrast to the soft bread inside!
Easy Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Zucchini Bread can be made in about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 55-65 minutes of baking time. Once it cools, it’s ready to slice and enjoy! So, overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven & Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will keep your bread from sticking and make it easy to remove after baking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix of dry ingredients will give your bread its lovely flavor and texture!
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, take the softened butter and beat it together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This is what gives your bread a nice sweet flavor and soft texture!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is blended nicely. This step adds richness and flavor to the bread.
5. Mixing in Zucchini and Sour Cream:
Now, gently mix in the grated zucchini and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until just combined. This will help keep your bread moist and delicious!
6. Combining the Ingredients:
Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until everything is just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your bread light and fluffy.
7. Pouring and Topping the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top out if needed. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the batter for that classic snickerdoodle taste!
8. Baking the Bread:
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
9. Cooling:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess.
10. Slicing and Serving:
Once cooled, slice your Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread and serve it up! For an extra treat, you might want to sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar on top just before serving, and don’t forget—warm slices with butter or cream cheese are delightful!
This delightful bread combines the cozy flavors of snickerdoodles with the moistness of zucchini, giving you a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen zucchini completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the bread’s consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative. For the sour cream, you can use coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt.
Can I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread? If So, How?
Absolutely! Store any leftover bread 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 freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature or give it a few seconds in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but for a special treat, serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. You can also enjoy it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness!