Perfect Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread: Delicious & Easy!

Okay, my mom tribe, let’s talk about something delicious and secretly virtuous: cinnamon roll zucchini bread. Yes, you read that right. It’s like a sneaky way to get those veggies into your kids (and yourself!) while still enjoying that warm, comforting cinnamon roll flavor.

I remember the first time I made this. It was a rainy Saturday, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I was desperately trying to find a way to use up the mountain of zucchini my neighbor had gifted us. I stumbled upon the idea of cinnamon roll zucchini bread, and it was a total game-changer.

The sweet cinnamon swirl baked into the moist zucchini bread? Pure magic. The kids devoured it, and I felt like a superhero for getting them to eat their veggies without a fight. It’s a recipe that’s stuck with me ever since, and I’m so excited to share it with you all. So get ready, fellow kitchen warriors, because this cinnamon roll zucchini bread is about to become your new family favorite!

This cinnamon roll zucchini bread is seriously a lifesaver. It fits perfectly into my crazy mom life because it’s easy, it uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for breakfast, snack time, or even a sneaky dessert, it’s always a hit. And honestly, sometimes, it’s the only thing that gets me through that 5 PM panic. I’m here to help my tribe get through those crazy moments. You’ve got this!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Alright, let’s gather our troops! This cinnamon roll zucchini bread recipe is surprisingly simple. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
Ingredients for homemade cinnamon roll zucchini bread including flour, sugar, cinnamon, eggs and zucchini

Trust me, this cinnamon roll zucchini bread ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

No worries if you don’t have nutmeg – I often skip it, and the cinnamon roll zucchini bread still tastes amazing. You can grab the zucchini at your local farmer’s market or even from your own garden if you’re lucky! This cinnamon roll zucchini bread doesn’t have to break the bank. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. My family loves when I add extra cinnamon to the swirl – it makes it extra cozy!

Here’s a cinnamon roll zucchini bread trick that saved my sanity: grate the zucchini ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then it’s prepped when you have a few minutes to bake. I also love this cinnamon roll zucchini bread because it is a great way to use up all of the zucchini that is available during the summer months!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, my friends, let’s get baking! Don’t be intimidated – this cinnamon roll zucchini bread is easier than it looks.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Trust me, greasing is important for this cinnamon roll zucchini bread.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This makes sure everything is evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. This is going to make the base of this cinnamon roll zucchini bread extra delicious.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! Lumps are okay.
  5. Gently fold in the grated zucchini. Make sure you squeezed out the excess moisture!
  6. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl. This will make the cinnamon roll zucchini bread extra special.
  7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your cinnamon roll zucchini bread should smell amazing by now!
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!

Here’s where I used to mess up my cinnamon roll zucchini bread – don’t make my mistake! I would forget to squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini. And the loaf would be way too soggy. While your cinnamon roll zucchini bread is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! In my chaotic kitchen, this cinnamon roll zucchini bread usually takes closer to 60 minutes to bake. Don’t panic if your cinnamon roll zucchini bread looks a little cracked on top. That just means it’s extra delicious!

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the best part – enjoying our creation! This cinnamon roll zucchini bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways my family loves to eat it:

The kids devour this cinnamon roll zucchini bread when I serve it with a dollop of cream cheese frosting (because, let’s be real, everything is better with frosting!). It is also amazing as a part of a brunch! We love to eat it warm for breakfast!

This cinnamon roll zucchini bread is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying. I love to cut a slice of this cinnamon roll zucchini bread and spread it with a little bit of butter. It’s a simple pleasure that elevates the bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Leftover cinnamon roll zucchini bread makes amazing French toast! Just dip slices in an egg mixture and cook in a skillet until golden brown.

For a seasonal variation, try adding chopped apples or walnuts to the batter in the fall. My friends always rave about this cinnamon roll zucchini bread when I bring it to potlucks. It is always gone within minutes!

For another delicious swirl option, check out this Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread – Beautiful Life and Home. It has a similar feel to cinnamon roll zucchini bread, but the swirl is on top!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, my mom friends, let’s tackle some common questions about making this recipe for cinnamon roll zucchini bread. I know you have them!

Can my picky eater handle this cinnamon roll zucchini bread?

Yes! The cinnamon swirl is so delicious that most kids won’t even notice the zucchini. It’s a sneaky way to get those veggies in! This bread is so moist because of the added zucchini.

What if I burn my cinnamon roll zucchini bread? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

We’ve all been there! If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil. But if it’s really burnt, salvage what you can and maybe make some bread pudding!

Can I make this cinnamon roll zucchini bread ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This bread actually tastes better the next day. Wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature. The cinnamon roll zucchini bread will last for days!

Can I freeze this cinnamon roll zucchini bread?

Yes! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of flour?

I have used gluten-free flour and it has turned out perfectly! You could also try using a wheat flour.

What if I don’t have zucchini?

While zucchini is the star of this recipe, you could substitute with grated carrots or even applesauce in a pinch.

Can I add a glaze?

Of course! A simple powdered sugar glaze would be delicious on this cinnamon roll zucchini bread. Check out this recipe for Zucchini Bread with Cream cheese Swirl | Little House Big Alaska, for another topping. This is a great bread with cinnamon and vanilla!

If you love cream cheese on your sweets, check out this Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread – Creme De La Crumb! Cream cheese is also fantastic with my Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls! It could also be combined with this cinnamon roll zucchini bread!

Final Thoughts:

This cinnamon roll zucchini bread is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of those moments when I manage to create something delicious and nourishing for my family amidst the chaos of everyday life. My cinnamon roll zucchini bread Mom Hacks include:

  • Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
  • Let the kids help with grating the zucchini (supervised, of course!).
  • Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra treat.

Here are a few family-tested variations:

  • My son loves it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.
  • My daughter prefers it with a cream cheese glaze.
  • I love it with a warm cup of coffee in the morning.

I hope you try this cinnamon roll zucchini bread and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and create something that your family will love.

Slice of delicious cinnamon roll zucchini bread on a plate

Remember, you’re not just making bread – you’re making memories. You can do this! I know feeding your family can be exhausting, but that’s what my recipes are here for. If you are looking for more of a dessert bread, check out my recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread!

I hope you try this cinnamon roll zucchini bread and it works out for you! If you need anything, I am always here for you!

 

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cinnamon roll zucchini bread

Delicious Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread

This Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the moistness of zucchini bread. Swirls of cinnamon sugar run through every slice, making it a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

  • Author: Vivien
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the shredded zucchini.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
  7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
  8. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
  13. Slice and serve.

Notes

For an extra touch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. You can also toast the slices and spread with butter or cream cheese.

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