Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, delightful treat that captures the warmth of cinnamon and the subtle freshness of garden zucchini, then this Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. It’s moist, tender, and perfectly spiced, with a crumbly cinnamon-sugar topping that makes every bite a little celebration. What truly sets this cake apart is how the shredded zucchini lends a gentle moisture and a hint of earthiness, making it irresistibly soft without being dense. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake will quickly become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake is wonderfully simple because it relies on a few essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in the flavor, texture, and appearance. From the fluffy flour and earthy cinnamon to the moist zucchini and creamy milk, each component harmonizes to create the perfect coffee cake experience.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender but sturdy crumb structure.
• Baking powder: Essential for making the cake rise just right and stay light.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice throughout the cake and topping for that signature flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy notes.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while ensuring a nice crumb texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps combine all dry ingredients smoothly.
• Shredded zucchini: The star ingredient lending moisture, subtle flavor, and a beautiful texture.
• Brown sugar (for topping): Creates that irresistible caramelized crumb crust.
• Flour (for topping): Helps form the crumble structure in the topping.
• Butter (melted for topping): Binds the crumb topping ingredients and adds richness.

How to Make Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing an 8 or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. This ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out cleanly once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step disperses the leavening agents evenly and layers in the warm cinnamon flavor throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, oil, and egg until well combined. Then, pour in the milk and mix gently. This combination creates the moist base for your cake and ensures an even texture.

Step 4: Blend Dry Into Wet and Add Zucchini

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix so that your cake stays tender. Next, fold in the shredded zucchini, which adds moisture and a delicate texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

Mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. This topping is where the magic happens — it adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to the soft cake beneath.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top, and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over it. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step ensures the perfect bake — moist on the inside with a golden, crunchy top.

How to Serve Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake

Garnishes

Freshly dust the cake with powdered sugar or add a light drizzle of vanilla glaze to elevate the sweetness and visual appeal. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of mascarpone also complements the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a comforting morning or afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into squares and layer the cinnamon zucchini coffee cake with cream cheese frosting in between for a fun twist on coffee cake bars. You can also slice it into rounds and sandwich a layer of fruit preserves for a charming dessert plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake covered at room temperature for up to two days to retain its moistness. After that, transfer leftovers to an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture, making it perfect for prepping ahead.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until just heated through. For a freshly baked taste, reheat in a 325-degree oven for 10-15 minutes to revive the crumbly topping’s crispness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini?

Yes! Yellow summer squash works as a great substitute and offers a similar texture and moisture level without altering the flavor dramatically.

Is it necessary to peel the zucchini before shredding?

Not at all. The skin is thin and adds extra nutrients and a lovely green fleck to the cake, making it even more visually appealing and wholesome.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, and the cake should turn out beautifully.

How do I prevent the cake from being soggy with zucchini?

Be sure to gently squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before folding it in. This step helps maintain the cake’s structure.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips add wonderful texture and flavor contrasts when mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top with the crumb topping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a slice of warm Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake fresh from the oven. This recipe blends wholesome ingredients with irresistibly cozy flavors, making it a perfect companion to your next cup of coffee or tea. I can’t wait for you to try making it and enjoy every sweet, tender bite just as much as I do!

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