Description
This Cinnamon Streusel Topped Zucchini Bread is a moist, bakery-style quick bread that combines the subtle sweetness of zucchini with warm cinnamon and a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this American classic loaf is easy to make and packed with cozy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform.
- Incorporate Zucchini: Stir in the grated zucchini into the wet mixture, making sure it is evenly distributed without squeezing out any liquid for optimum moisture.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts if you choose to include them, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Assemble in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Cut in the cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Streusel and Bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra moisture, do not squeeze the liquid from the grated zucchini.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
