This soft snickerdoodle zucchini bread is such a treat! It combines sweet zucchini, warm spices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top—yummy!
Baking this bread fills my kitchen with the best smells. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get in some veggies while enjoying a delightful slice with a cup of tea!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour provides the structure for the bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It’s worked well for me in similar recipes!
Granulated Sugar: Standard sugar adds sweetness. For a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar or honey instead, adjusting the liquid in the recipe if needed. Honey will make the bread a bit denser.
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini keeps the bread moist. If you don’t have zucchini, mashed bananas or applesauce could also work, but they will change the flavor a bit.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness to the bread. If you want a lighter option, using unsweetened applesauce can be a nice swap.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Bread is Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your zucchini bread moist, focus on a couple of key techniques. First, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy!
- Preheat your oven properly; an accurate temperature is essential for even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until the flour disappears to keep the bread tender.
- Keep an eye on baking times; check with a toothpick a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Soft Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Snickerdoodle Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious snickerdoodle zucchini bread takes about 20 minutes to prepare, followed by 50-60 minutes of baking time. Make sure to allow it to cool for a little while afterward. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
3. Cream Together Sugar and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This could take about 2-3 minutes. It makes your bread tender and adds extra sweetness!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated before adding the next. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Add Zucchini and Sour Cream:
Stir in the grated zucchini and sour cream (or yogurt) until just combined. This will help keep your bread moist and tender.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix! You just want everything to be combined without any visible flour streaks.
7. Transfer to the Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the snickerdoodle topping. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the loaf pan for a delightful finish.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking!
10. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the loaf’s soft texture.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your delicious soft snickerdoodle zucchini bread and enjoy a piece with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of the day!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, it may make the bread denser. Try using a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter texture.
What Should I Do If My Zucchini is Very Watery?
If your zucchini releases a lot of water, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel before adding it to the batter. This will help prevent the bread from becoming soggy and ensure it bakes properly.
Can I Freeze This Zucchini Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying. You can also slice it before freezing for easy serving.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe by about ¼ cup without affecting the texture too much. Alternatively, you could try using a sugar substitute like agave syrup or honey, but remember to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
