If you’re searching for a cozy treat that’s packed with warm spices, irresistible texture, and a bit of sneaky nutrition, Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel is about to become your new best friend. Every slice delivers tender, moist zucchini bread and a swirl of spiced sweetness all topped with a crunchy, nutty streusel that you’ll want by the handful. It’s a total comfort bake that combines nostalgia with a pop of veggie goodness—delightful for breakfast, brunch, or a spontaneous afternoon snack.

Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient lineup for Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel looks humble, but each component plays a crucial role in building flavor and crave-worthy texture. Don’t swap or skip—you’ll want every layer to shine and make your kitchen smell amazing.

Granulated Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create that tempting crumb both inside and on top.
Packed Dark Brown Sugar: Adds depth, moisture, and an irresistible caramel note to every bite.
Cinnamon: Wakes up the senses and infuses every layer with warmth and spice.
All-Purpose Flour: The essential structure for the bread and the crumbly topping alike.
Butter (melted): Helps the streusel form plump, golden clusters of goodness.
Crushed Walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a nutty twist to the topping—skip or swap depending on your preference.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Team lift for the perfect rise and fluffiness in your bread.
Salt: Punches up all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender for days.
Large Egg: Binds everything together so each slice is just the right amount of cakey.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall aroma and brings a mellow, sweet undertone.
Shredded Zucchini: The secret star—provides moisture, lightness, and a (nearly undetectable) veggie boost.

How to Make Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This filling will create a beautiful ribbon of sweetness right in the center of your bread, so don’t skip this tiny burst of joy!

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, optional walnuts, and melted butter in another small bowl. Use a fork to fluff and blend until you have a crumbly, chunky mixture. This streusel is the crunchy crown of your Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel—load it up for flavor in every bite!

Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Heat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly and sprinkle the inside with granulated sugar. This extra sugar coating creates a delicate, caramelized edge that makes serving easy and adds a lovely touch.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures your leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, creating a consistent crumb throughout the loaf.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients and Zucchini

In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and shredded zucchini. You’ll notice the batter is already looking rich and creamy, thanks to the moisture the zucchini brings.

Step 6: Mix It All Together

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together just until combined—overmixing leads to dense bread, so stop as soon as you stop seeing streaks of flour.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the surface, then use a butter knife to swirl it gently into the batter. Top with the rest of the batter, smoothing out the top. Finish with a generous sprinkling of the cinnamon streusel topping for maximum crunch and flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely (patience, friend—it’s worth it!).

How to Serve Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel

Garnishes

This bread dazzles with just a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving. For folks who love a little luxury, a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla glaze gives it true bakery appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel with your favorite cup of coffee, a soothing chai latte, or even a tangy Greek yogurt parfait. It’s especially charming on a brunch spread alongside fresh berries and scrambled eggs.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and serving it as part of a rustic breakfast board with jams, nut butters, and apple slices. Or, for an afternoon treat, gently toast the slices and spread with a thin layer of butter or cream cheese for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen and the bread stays moist—if it even lasts that long!

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, slice the cooled bread, wrap pieces individually, and stash them in a freezer bag. When pumpkin spice season feels far away, a quick thaw and toast will bring instant coziness back to your kitchen.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness, pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for 10–15 seconds. The streusel crisps up and the inside gets irresistibly soft and fragrant all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different oil for vegetable oil?

Absolutely! Feel free to use canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even a light olive oil for a subtly different flavor. Just make sure whatever oil you choose is neutral so it doesn’t overpower the cozy cinnamon spice.

Does the bread taste strongly of zucchini?

Not at all—the zucchini simply makes the bread tender and moist while melding into the background. It’s a clever way to sneak veggies in for even the pickiest eaters!

How do I keep the streusel topping from sinking?

The key is to make sure your batter isn’t too thin and that your streusel has some chunky texture. Gently pile it on top just before baking and avoid pressing it down so it stays crisp and lovely.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Of course! The walnuts add a delicious crunch, but if you prefer nut-free or have an allergy, just omit them and proceed with the streusel as usual. The bread will still be fantastic.

Can I make Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel as muffins?

Absolutely! Just divide the batter among muffin tins, swirl in the cinnamon sugar, and sprinkle with streusel. Bake for about 20–25 minutes for adorable, grab-and-go treats.

Final Thoughts

This is one bake you’ll want to keep on repeat—a hearty, heartwarming loaf that brings big bakery flavor right to your kitchen. Give Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel a try and savor every cinnamon-swirled, zucchini-kissed bite. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something to sip, and enjoy a slice (or two) with someone you love!