Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread
Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread is a moist and tender quick bread that perfectly blends the sweet, spiced comfort of cinnamon rolls with nutritious zucchini. Featuring cinnamon sugar swirls and a luscious cream cheese glaze, this recipe turns simple pantry staples and fresh zucchini into a versatile and delicious treat ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate fresh zucchini using large holes of a box grater or a food processor grating attachment. Gently squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to ensure the bread remains moist but not wet, which is crucial for the perfect texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and baking powder thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of ingredients for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- Bring it Together: Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, then gently fold in the grated zucchini. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender and soft crumb.
- Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it, then pour the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers for a beautiful cinnamon roll effect.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the bread cools, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable, creating a luscious finishing glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm bread, letting it melt into every swirl. Slice and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for the best moisture and flavor; avoid frozen zucchini.
- Do not overmix the batter; fold ingredients just until combined to keep the bread soft and fluffy.
- Swirl the cinnamon sugar gently but visibly to create distinct cinnamon layers.
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing for a thicker glaze texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cinnamon roll zucchini bread, zucchini bread, cinnamon swirl bread, cream cheese glaze, moist zucchini bread, sweet quick bread, cinnamon bread