Zucchini Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

by Haley // July 7, 2016 (updated August 11, 2023)

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Use the abundance of squash this summer to bake a delicious zucchini bundt cake. The cinnamon swirl through the center is complemented by a cinnamon glaze drizzled over the top of the cake. This is the perfect cake for serving anytime of day!

cinnamon zucchini bundt cake on white plate with two slices cut

If coffee cake cake and zucchini bread had a baby it would be this cake. The best part of this zucchini bundt cake is the cinnamon swirl in the center. The generous cinnamon sugar sprinkle between the layers melts into the cake while it’s baking and when you cut yourself a slice a beautiful ribbon appears. It’s perfectly paired by the glaze on top.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amazing texture. Cream cheese brings a subtle density, while the zucchini provides natural moisture.
Perfect for entertaining. and it serves a crowd. I like serving it for weekend brunch or as a snack to enjoy throughout the week!
Beautiful presentation. Bundt cake has a show-stopping appearance and the cinnamon swirl makes each slice extra special!
Great use of zucchini. The summer squash is easy to find (and grow). Make use of it in your baking!

Ingredient Notes

zucchini bundt cake ingredients in bowls labeled with text

Zucchini: Use fresh zucchini and do not peel before grating.
Butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before using. Make sure it is unsalted since salt is added separately to activate the leavening agents.
Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese that is softened to room temperature. This makes a rich and dense cake similar to coffee cake.
Cinnamon: Check that your spices are fresh before using. You will need cinnamon for the batter, swirl and glaze.
Baking soda and powder: These leavening agents help the cake rise. Check that they are fresh and not expired for best results.

Recipe Variations

Use a different pan. This recipe will also work in a 9×13 pan or two 8-inch round cake pan. Bake times will vary and likely be between 25 and 35 minutes.

Add mix-ins. When stirring in the zucchini, add 1 cup chocolate chips or coarsely chopped nuts. You could even try fresh or dried berries!

Try different fruit or vegetables. Swap out 1 cup zucchini for 1 cup shredded carrots or shredded apples. Do not pat dry and shred the carrots yourself.

How to Make Zucchini Bundt Cake

Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients. In separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, then pour in melted butter and mix for 3 minutes. A
Add flour mixture and mix until combined. Stir in zucchini just until incorporated.
Make the cinnamon swirl by stirring cinnamon and sugar together in small bowl. Pour half of cake batter into prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle cinnamon swirl mixture over batter. Top with the rest of the batter.

photo collage demonstrating how to add cinnamon swirl to zucchini bundt cake

Bake cake at 350° F for one hour. Cool cake completely.
Make cinnamon glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon. Add milk and vanilla and whisk until a combined. Drizzle glaze over cake, slice and serve.

Expert Tips

Weigh your ingredients using a kitchen scale. This is the most accurate way to weigh your ingredients. If you don’t have a scale, be sure to spoon your flour into a measuring cup and level with a knife.

Use room temperature ingredients. They combine more easily and create a smoother batter. As a result, you will get a better textured cake!

Grease your bundt pan thoroughly. I like to use my magic cake pan release to get into all the crevices, but a generous greasing and dusting with flour will also work.

Make sure the zucchini is fresh and use a box grater to shred it. Do not pat it dry. The extra moisture helps makes a tender and moist cake.

slice of cinnamon zucchini bundt cake with cinnamon swirl in the center

Storage Tips

Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure it is cooled completely before storing.

Freeze: Wrap the cake or cake slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe FAQ

Do I have to pat the zucchini dry?

No, not for this recipe. The moisture in the zucchini prevent the cake from being dry and crumbly.

How do you know when a bundt cake is done?

Insert a long wooden skewer or butter knife into the cake. The cake is done when little to no crumbs are seen on the cake tester.

Do I need to peel zucchini before grating it?

No, keep the skin on when grating zucchini. It adds more flavor and nutrients to the recipe.

Why is my bundt cake dry?

Most likely it was over-baked or the ingredients were mis-measured. Check your oven temperature and use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measuring.