Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a coffee cake that checks all the boxes—moist, bursting with cinnamon, topped with an irresistible crumb, and secretly packed with veggies—this Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Whether you have an abundance of summer zucchini or simply crave cozy, bakery-style mornings at home, this cake will fill your kitchen with warmth and your plate with pure happiness. From the sweet swirl hiding inside to the perfectly plush crumb, every bite feels comforting and just a little bit special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake uses classic baking staples that combine in the most scrumptious way. Each ingredient brings something important to the party—texture, tenderness, flavor, or sweetness—so don’t skip any of them!

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the sturdy base of your cake and crumb topping; measure with care for a delicate crumb.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake its rise, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Reacts with the sour cream for extra lift and golden color.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for both the batter and the signature cinnamon swirl—the heart of this cake’s flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a gentle warmth and depth that keeps you coming back for more.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened for the batter and cold for the topping, butter ensures a rich taste in every bite.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
• Eggs: Two large eggs for structure and tenderness; always use room temperature for even mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of fragrant warmth.
• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and keeps your cake extra soft—use whichever you have on hand.
• Finely Grated Zucchini: Squeeze out the moisture and fold it in for a lusciously moist cake (and yes, your kids will never taste the veggies!).
• Cinnamon Sugar Swirl (Brown Sugar & Cinnamon): Just two ingredients, but together, they turn a good coffee cake into one you’ll dream about.
• Crumb Topping (Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cold Butter): The addictive, bakery-style crown that’s sweet, crunchy, and deeply cinnamony.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start with a 9×9-inch baking pan and give it a good grease to guarantee easy release (parchment also makes lifting out a breeze!). Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are; baking is all about timing, and starting with a hot oven means perfect results.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these first ensures that the leaveners and spices are evenly dispersed, creating delicate layers of flavor in every forkful of Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar until they’re pale and fluffy. This step creates air pockets for a lighter crumb, so take your time—fluffy butter equals a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat the eggs in one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). These rich dairy additions make the cake exceptionally moist and tender, while the eggs help bind everything deliciously together.

Step 5: Fold in the Zucchini

Squeeze all the moisture from your grated zucchini so your batter doesn’t get soggy, then stir it gently into the wet mixture. The zucchini will quietly melt into the cake, adding moisture and a touch of delicate green color.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients to the wet in batches, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing means a tough cake, so as soon as you don’t see flour streaks, you’re done!

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. This dynamic duo transforms every layer of your Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake, giving surprise pockets of spiced sweetness throughout.

Step 8: Create the Crumb Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold, cubed butter for the most addictive crumb. Use your fingers or a fork to create pea-sized lumps—this gives the topping its signature bakery-style crunch.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the entire cinnamon sugar swirl over the surface, then spoon the remaining batter gently on top. Finish with a generous layer of crumb topping—don’t skimp!

Step 10: Bake and Cool

Bake your masterpiece for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake cool before slicing, so every piece comes out picture-perfect and the crumb sets up beautifully.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake

Garnishes

To make each serving extra special, dust lightly with powdered sugar, add a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream. These toppings highlight the warm spice and elevate your Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake to coffee shop status right at your kitchen table.

Side Dishes

Pair your coffee cake with a piping-hot mug of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If you want to add a little flair to a brunch spread, fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad balance the cake’s sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes and serve on a platter with toothpicks, or layer slices in mason jars with yogurt and fruit for a fun, portable breakfast treat. Warm it up and top with ice cream for an indulgent dessert nobody will turn down.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for make-ahead baking. Simply cover any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The crumb stays lovely, and the flavor only deepens!

Freezing

This cake freezes like a dream: wrap individual pieces in plastic, place in a freezer bag, and stash away for up to two months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge for a grab-and-go breakfast or last-minute dessert surprise.

Reheating

Pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive its just-baked warmth, or reheat in a low oven for a slightly crisp exterior and soft, cozy interior. That cinnamon aroma will make you feel like you’ve baked it fresh every time.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You certainly can substitute whole wheat flour, but the cake will come out a bit denser and heartier. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a balance of nutty flavor and tender crumb.

Do I need to peel the zucchini for this cake?

No need to peel! The skin of the zucchini is thin and softens perfectly as it bakes. Plus, it adds a lovely touch of color and a touch of extra nutrition.

What’s the best way to squeeze moisture from zucchini?

After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and wring out as much liquid as possible. Removing the excess water prevents the cake from becoming gummy or heavy.

Can I use a different pan size?

The recipe calls for a 9×9-inch pan for the ideal thickness, but you can use an 8×8-inch pan (bake a bit longer) or double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—smaller pans mean a thicker cake and longer bake!

How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should look set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Avoid overbaking for the most tender, flavorful Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to treat yourself or your loved ones than with a fresh, homemade Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Coffee Cake. Bake it for a special breakfast, a cheerful snack, or to use up summer’s zucchini bounty—it never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to experience all the cozy comfort (and rave reviews!) this recipe delivers—enjoy every sweet, cinnamony bite!

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