This cinnamon zucchini bread recipe is easy and delicious! The summer squash adds moisture, while the cinnamon makes each bite flavorful. Youโ€™ll be reaching for another slice before the first one is gone!

Moist cinnamon zucchini bread slice leaning on the loaf.


 

What would summer be without some zucchini bread? I had to make use of the excess summer squash growing in the garden so I made a double loaf recipe! They key to a successful zucchini bread is moisture. Thankfully squash naturally has plenty of water so it keeps the bread moist through the baking process and days afterward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Makes two loaves. Gift one to a friend and save one for yourself! You can also freeze the second loaf for later.
  • Quick and easy to make. The batter comes together in just a few minutes, then all you have to do is bake!
  • Moist and tender texture. The zucchini guarantees a moist texture that is also fluffy.
  • Sweet cinnamon flavor. The generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor to this zucchini bread.

Ingredient Notes

tabletop with bowls of ingredients to make cinnamon zucchini bread.
  • Zucchini: Shred two medium zucchini, but do not pat dry.
  • Flour: Use all purpose flour as the base for the dry ingredients.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the batter rise. Check that they are fresh and not expired for the best results.
  • Salt: Salt is used to offset the sweetness and help activate the leavening agents.
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor to this quick bread. Check that it’s fresh for the best flavor.
  • Nutmeg: This spice naturally complements the cinnamon flavor.
  • Vegetable oil: For a fluffy texture and moist texture, use a flavorless oil.
  • Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help bind the ingredients.
  • Sugar: For sweetness and moisture, use white sugar in the batter.
  • Brown sugar: Either light or dark brown sugar works well. The subtle molasses flavor complements the spices.

Refer to the recipe card for ingredient details and measurements.

Recipe Variations

Add some mix-ins. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts when adding the zucchini.

Top with streusel. Whisk together ยพ cup flourโฃ, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Add 4 Tablespoons melted butter. Mix with a fork just until small crumbles form. Sprinkle over the loaves before baking.

Halve the recipe. Want only one loaf of zucchini? Cut the ingredients in half and use one loaf pan.

How to Make Cinnamon Zucchini Bread

photo collage demonstrating how to make cinnamon zucchini bread in a mixing bowl and two loaf pans.
  1. Whisk dry ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  2. Beat sugar, brown sugar and eggs together in a separate large bowl until combined. Add oil and eggs to butter mixture. Beat until incorporated.
  3. Stir flour mixture into wet ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix just until combined.Fold in grated zucchini just until incorporated. Transfer batter to two prepared loaf pans.
  4. Bake at 325 F for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with little to no crumbs.

Expert Tips

Grate the zucchini properly. I own this box grater and love it because it comes with a storage container that catches everything you grate. Use the large hole side of the grater.

Do not pat the shredded zucchini dry. You’ll want the extra moisture for the batter.

Measure the flour correctly. Use a kitchen scale to weigh the ingredients. If you don’t have a scale, use the spoon and level method into a measuring cup (don’t pack down flour).

tabletop with zucchini squash, cinnamon sticks and loaf of cinnamon zucchini bread with slices cut off the end.

Storage Tips

Storage: Zucchini bread is best when wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container. It will keep for 3 days at room temperature and 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the loaf whole and cut slices when serving.

Freezing: Once the loaf has cooled completely, remove it from the pan and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap then wrap again with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place in the freezer on a flat surface and store for 2 to 3 months.

Recipe FAQ

How to keep zucchini bread moist

Zucchini bread is kept moist when stored properly. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, store in a ziploc bag or an airtight container. Keep in a dry cool place, such as the pantry, for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I make zucchini muffins with this recipe?

Yes. Increase oven temperature to 375 F and bake muffins for 20 minutes.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this zucchini bread?

Yes, 1 cup chocolate chips, walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter when you stir in the zucchini.

loaf of cinnamon zucchini bread with slices cut off the end.

Did you love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ rating in the recipe card below and if you REALLY loved it, consider leaving a comment further down the page.

loaf of cinnamon zucchini bread with slices cut off the end.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Zucchini Bread Recipe

This cinnamon zucchini bread recipe is easy and delicious! The summer squash adds moisture, while the cinnamon makes each bite flavorful.
4.94 (15 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (236 ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240 g) grated zucchini, about 2 medium zucchini

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 325ยฐ F. Line two 8×4-inch loaf pans with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredientsโ€”flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together sugar, brown sugar and eggs until combined, about 1 minute. Add oil and vanilla, and beat again until incorporated, about 1 more minute.
  • Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir until incorporated. Stir grated zucchini into the mixture until evenly combined.
  • Pour batter evenly into the two prepared pans. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans on rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.ย 

Notes

This recipe makes two loaves in 8×4-inch pan. Each loaf yields about 8 slices. This recipe can be cut in half (use 1 egg).
Vegetable oil substitute: Applesauce may be used as a substitute. I recommend 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce.
Do not pat zucchini dry with paper towel. Pack lightly in the measuring cupโ€”it’s okay if there’s a little more than two cups!
Store cooled zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing zucchini bread: Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before cutting and serving at room temperature.
Serving: 1slice, Calories: 216kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 231mg, Potassium: 120mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 76IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 1mg

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