This cozy cinnamon zucchini coffee cake is a baked treat that’s super moist and loaded with yummy flavors. The hidden zucchini keeps it soft, and the cinnamon gives it a warm touch!
Perfect for breakfast or snack time, this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee. I love how I can sneak in some veggies while enjoying my sweet slice. Who can say no to that? ☕️🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cake. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. I sometimes mix in a bit of whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture! If you don’t have zucchini, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas—but you’ll lose that slight vegetable taste in the cake.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds richness to the cake. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative for similar moisture. Greek yogurt can also work if you need a thicker option.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that brings out delightful flavors. If you want to switch it up, try pumpkin pie spice for a different twist, or use nutmeg for a more aromatic note.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Grated Zucchini?
Grating zucchini is simple, but squeezing it to remove excess moisture is important. Too much water can make your cake soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a box grater to grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels.
- Wrap it up and twist the ends to wring out as much moisture as you can. Aim to remove a few tablespoons of liquid.
- This helps your cake stay nice and moist without being too wet!
How Can I Make an Amazing Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what makes this cake truly special! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crumbly texture:
- Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry about making it uniform!
- A little chunky is good; it creates a nice texture when baked!
These tips should help you create a delicious and moist cinnamon zucchini coffee cake that everyone will love! Enjoy baking!
Moist Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. After baking, let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. So, you’re looking at a total of around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or a springform pan to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This will be your dry mix. Set it aside for later.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer if you have one!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until it’s all well blended.
5. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Alternate this with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; no need to over-mix.
6. Fold in the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini, making sure you’ve squeezed out any excess moisture from it beforehand. This keeps the cake fluffy and not too wet.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly to make sure it bakes evenly.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
9. Add the Streusel:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter in the pan. Don’t be shy; it adds great flavor!
10. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool & Glaze
Once baked, take it out and let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re making the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and drizzle it over the cooled cake.
12. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice up your delicious cake and enjoy it with your favorite hot beverage. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack! Enjoy!
This moist, warmly spiced cinnamon zucchini coffee cake is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Happy baking!
FAQ for Moist Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser.
How Can I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream or Yogurt?
No problem! You can use buttermilk or even unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. If you’re using applesauce, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons since it’s naturally sweet.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add some extra flavor and texture to the cake. Fold them in with the zucchini for best results!
