The Best Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the comforting flavors of a traditional snickerdoodle cookie with the healthy twist of zucchini and coconut oil. It’s moist, flavorful, and slightly spiced, making it a perfect treat for any time of day. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak some veggies into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Bread

• 1 cup coconut oil, melted

• 3 eggs

• 1 ¼ cups granulated white sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar*

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups grated zucchini, wet (do not dry it out first)

Topping

• ½ cup granulated white sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two loaf pans (about 4 ½“ x 8 ½“) with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, beat together the melted coconut oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until thoroughly mixed.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined. The batter will be thick.

5. Fold in the grated zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients: sugar, cinnamon, and cream of tartar.

7. Pour half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle half of the topping mixture over the batter.

8. Add the remaining batter to the pans and top with the remaining sugar mixture.

9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 2 loaves, about 12 slices total

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

• Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added crunch.

• Mix in ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

• Replace coconut oil with butter for a richer flavor.

• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

What does cream of tartar do in this recipe?

Cream of tartar adds a slight tangy flavor and helps create the classic snickerdoodle texture by reacting with baking soda for leavening.

Can I use baking powder instead of cream of tartar?

Yes, you can substitute ½ teaspoon baking powder if you don’t have cream of tartar in the bread mixture. The topping can omit it without replacement.

Should I peel the zucchini before grating?

No need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds color, nutrients, and moisture to the bread.

Do I need to squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini?

No, this recipe calls for adding the zucchini wet to keep the bread moist and tender.

Can I make this bread vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based oil or vegan butter instead of coconut oil.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double it. Use four loaf pans or bake in batches to ensure even cooking.

Can I use shredded carrots instead of zucchini?

Carrots can be used, but the flavor and moisture will differ slightly. Zucchini is preferred for its mild flavor and moisture content.

Why is the batter thick?

The batter is thick due to the flour and grated zucchini. This is normal and ensures a moist, dense bread.

What’s the best way to serve this bread?

It’s delicious plain, toasted with butter, or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Conclusion

This snickerdoodle zucchini bread is a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy extra zucchini with a nostalgic twist. Its moist texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and slight tang from the cream of tartar make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.