If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect bakery treat filling your kitchen with sweet, spicy aromas, this cinnamon streusel topped zucchini bread bakery style is about to become your next obsession. Boasting a moist crumb thanks to tender zucchini, balanced spices, and a delightfully crisp streusel crown, this 1 loaf recipe tastes just as stunning as it looks. Whether you want to impress guests or simply spoil your family, the recipe delivers an irresistibly golden, bakery-worthy treat in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient adds its own touch—structure, spice, sweetness, or crunch—and together, they transform humble zucchini into a showstopping 1 loaf. Don’t skip or skimp! Every element shines through in flavor, texture, or color.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread; it creates just the right amount of structure for your 1 loaf to rise beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses both the batter and streusel with warmth and bakery magic.
Baking soda: Ensures that this 1 loaf has the perfect lift and crumb, never dense.
Salt: Even in sweet bakes, salt is essential to balance flavor and heighten the other ingredients.
Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way for a subtle, earthy aroma.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and adds to the crisp top found on the best bakery loaves.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the 1 loaf extra moist—never greasy!—for days.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a rich, satisfying slice.
Vanilla extract: Brightens up the bread with aromatic depth.
Grated zucchini, squeezed dry: The secret to a moist and tender 1 loaf—be sure to press out all that extra water!
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, though this 1 loaf is delightful with or without them.
All-purpose flour (for streusel): Essential for creating those unforgettable crumbly streusel clusters.
Packed light brown sugar: Brings a touch of caramel-like flavor to the streusel crown.
Granulated sugar (for streusel): Balances sweetness and helps give the top that signature crisp finish.
Cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: The magic behind a perfectly crumbly, bakery-style streusel topping for your 1 loaf.

How to Make Cinnamon Streusel Topped Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while generously greasing and flouring a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your 1 loaf releases effortlessly, with every sprinkle of streusel still intact. Lining the bottom with parchment is optional but makes removal that much easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. This simple step disperses the spices evenly and ensures that the baking soda gets mixed throughout your 1 loaf, so every bite is light and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks silky and uniform—this base is what gives your 1 loaf its irresistible crumb and color, so take a moment to blend well.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Add the wet mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until combined, avoiding overmixing—this keeps your 1 loaf fluffy and prevents it from becoming tough. Some small streaks of flour are fine!

Step 5: Add the Zucchini (and Nuts!)

Fold in the grated zucchini (press out as much liquid as you can first!) and, if you’re feeling fancy, the chopped walnuts or pecans. These bits of green and nuts will peek through every slice of your 1 loaf, offering texture and bursts of flavor.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Using a fork or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This sweet, spiced crown transforms your 1 loaf into a bakery masterpiece.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping all over the batter. Slide your future 1 loaf into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean from the center.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in its pan for about 10 minutes—this allows the steam to gently loosen the edges. After that, transfer your 1 loaf to a wire rack to finish cooling completely before slicing. The hardest part is waiting, but trust me, your patience will be rewarded!

How to Serve Cinnamon Streusel Topped Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

This bakery-style 1 loaf truly shines with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or a light drizzle of vanilla or cream cheese glaze if you feel extra indulgent. For a fresh twist, scatter a few extra toasted walnuts or pecans on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your 1 loaf with a hot mug of coffee or spiced chai for breakfast, or offer thick slices alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced brunch spread. It’s equally delightful served as a humble dessert after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bake-sale-ready touch, slice your zucchini bread into thick pieces and wrap each individually in parchment with a twine bow. Alternatively, cut the 1 loaf into cubes and skewer with seasonal fruit for a fun, dippable dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slice the cooled bread and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The 1 loaf stays moist, and the crumb topping will hold its texture best if you keep it covered tightly.

Freezing

For the ultimate make-ahead bakery treat, freeze the 1 loaf whole (tightly wrapped in plastic and foil), or in slices layered with parchment paper. It keeps well in the freezer for up to three months without sacrificing flavor or moisture.

Reheating

Thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you like a touch of crispness, pop slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes—your 1 loaf will taste freshly baked every time.

FAQs

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

You can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to add a slight nuttiness and boost nutrition, but using 100% whole wheat may make your 1 loaf denser.

Should I peel the zucchini before grating?

No need! The peel is tender and adds beautiful green flecks throughout the 1 loaf, barely detectable in texture but lovely in appearance.

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

After grating, place zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and twist firmly to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Too much moisture will weigh down your 1 loaf, so don’t skip this step.

How do I know if my bread is done baking?

Insert a skewer or thin knife into the center of your loaf. If it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), your 1 loaf is perfectly baked. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven and check again.

Can I double the recipe for two loaves?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in two separate loaf pans. You get double the deliciousness, and both loaves freeze beautifully if you want to save one for later.

Final Thoughts

This cinnamon streusel topped zucchini bread bakery style is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of cozy aromas and comforting flavors. Try baking just 1 loaf and watch it disappear as everyone comes back for seconds. Your kitchen will feel (and smell!) like a true artisan bakery, and I promise, you’ll wonder why you ever bought zucchini bread anywhere else.