Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread

Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Zucchini Bread:

  • Cooking spray
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini

Snickerdoodle Topping:

  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cream of tartar.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is just combined. The batter will be thick.

Step 5: Add the shredded zucchini and stir until evenly incorporated into the batter.

Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to make the snickerdoodle topping.

Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.

Step 8: Pour the remaining batter into the pan, smoothing it again, and then top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Step 10: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes on a wire rack before removing it from the pan to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Amount
Calories 346
Total Fat 15g (19% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 1g (6% Daily Value)
Cholesterol 23mg (8% Daily Value)
Sodium 237mg (10% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate 51g (18% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber 1g (4% Daily Value)
Total Sugars 32g
Protein 4g (7% Daily Value)
Vitamin C 3mg (4% Daily Value)
Calcium 26mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron 1mg (8% Daily Value)
Potassium 122mg (3% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread

History and Origin

The Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread is a modern twist on the classic zucchini bread, combining the sweetness of zucchini with the irresistible flavor of snickerdoodle cookies. The original zucchini bread itself has a long history, dating back to the 19th century in America, where home gardeners used excess zucchinis to create baked goods. The snickerdoodle flavor, with its signature cinnamon-sugar topping, has been a beloved treat in America for over a century, with roots in New England and Pennsylvania Dutch communities. The fusion of these two recipes into one is a relatively recent development, offering a perfect balance of moistness and flavor in every bite.

Regional Features

Zucchini bread is especially popular in North America, particularly in regions where zucchini is abundantly grown during the summer months. The addition of snickerdoodle flavor adds a delightful cinnamon-sugar twist, making it a comforting choice for brunch or as a snack. In the United States, zucchini bread is often made as a seasonal treat, typically appearing in the late summer when zucchinis are in peak harvest. The snickerdoodle topping, however, is a more traditional feature found in American baking, especially in New England and the Midwest.

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

While zucchini bread is a common treat made with shredded zucchini, what sets Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread apart is the snickerdoodle-inspired topping. Traditional zucchini bread typically lacks any spiced topping, focusing on the moist texture provided by the zucchini. In contrast, the Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread features a unique cinnamon-sugar crust that gives it an extra layer of flavor and texture. This bread offers the best of both worlds: the hearty, moist qualities of zucchini bread combined with the sweet, spiced crunch of a snickerdoodle cookie.

Where It's Typically Served

Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread is typically served as a breakfast bread or an afternoon snack. Its moist, slightly spiced flavor makes it perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea. It's commonly found at brunch gatherings, bake sales, and is a favorite for those seeking a healthier, yet indulgent treat. Given its seasonal connection to zucchinis, it's often served during the late summer and fall, when zucchinis are in abundance. It can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or sliced and toasted with a pat of butter for an extra touch of comfort.

Fun Facts

  • The word "snickerdoodle" is believed to have originated from the German word "Schneckennudeln," which refers to a type of cinnamon-sugar pastry.
  • Zucchini, a key ingredient in this bread, is technically a fruit, but its often treated as a vegetable in culinary use due to its savory flavor.
  • Snickerdoodle cookies are a favorite in American holiday baking, especially around Christmas time, and combining them with zucchini bread offers a unique fusion of traditions.
  • While zucchini bread is often associated with using up excess zucchini from the garden, Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread takes it a step further by adding a cinnamon-sugar topping, which makes the bread even more indulgent.

FAQ about Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread

To keep the Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

Yes, you can substitute the oil with other types such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil. Keep in mind that different oils may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bread.

Yes, you can omit the cinnamon and nutmeg if you prefer a more neutral flavor. However, these spices add a distinctive flavor to the bread, so if you want to maintain the signature taste, it's best to keep them in the recipe.

If your bread turns out too dry, it may be due to overmixing or overbaking. To avoid this, mix the batter just until combined, and check for doneness with a toothpick around the 45-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Yes, you can add ingredients like chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter. Just fold them in gently before baking. Keep in mind that adding extra ingredients may slightly alter the baking time, so be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.

The best way to check if the bread is done is by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

To make the Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread healthier, you can substitute some of the sugar with a sugar substitute, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, or reduce the oil by half and replace it with unsweetened applesauce.

Yes, you can freeze Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

Comments

Adam Rivera

10/01/2023 12:33:12 PM

This tasted incredibly delicious! The first loaf didn't last a day. I will definitely be making it again.

Carolyn Phillips

03/22/2025 04:42:11 PM

I followed the recipe exactly as it was written. The bread came out moist and delicious. I will definitely be making this recipe again!

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