Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your mornings or sweeten your afternoon coffee breaks, this Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe is just the thing! It’s one of those comforting recipes that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of cinnamon and shredded zucchini creates a deliciously moist cake that surprises everyone with its subtle sweetness and rich flavor.

What makes this recipe truly special is how the zucchini blends perfectly with the spices, transforming into something reminiscent of apples when cooked. Your friends and family will never guess there’s a veggie hidden in their slice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together in no time! With simple steps, even novice bakers will shine in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this cake. It’s a sneaky way to get some veggies into your family’s diet!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it over the week. It stays moist and delicious for days!
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with tender zucchini create a taste that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful coffee cake. You might already have most of these staples in your pantry!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (118ml) milk

Zucchini

• 2 cups (approx 206g) shredded zucchini (about 1 large or 2 small)

Crumb Topping

• ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
• Incorporate Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

How to Make Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake will rise beautifully as soon as it hits the hot oven. Prepare an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your cake rises perfectly without any lumps of dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together sugar, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined. Then stir in the milk until smooth. Adding wet ingredients first helps create a nice batter texture before incorporating the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually stir in the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be light and airy! Gently fold in the shredded zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. This topping adds a delightful texture and sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the soft cake below.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle the crumb topping generously over it. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation!

Now you have a delicious Zucchini Coffee Cake ready to enjoy! Share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself—either way, it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe

Baking this Zucchini Coffee Cake is a delightful experience, and a few tips can make it even better!

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchini not only tastes better but also has more moisture, which keeps the cake moist and delicious.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding in the dry ingredients helps create a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Let It Cool Before Serving: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes helps set the flavors and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add walnuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch or sweetness. They enhance both flavor and texture.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This preserves moisture and keeps your cake fresh for days!

How to Serve Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe

Serving your Zucchini Coffee Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finish and enhances the visual appeal without overpowering the flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a satisfying crunch and complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness to your meal and balances the sweetness of the coffee cake.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for an easy, nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with coffee cake—perfect for breakfast or brunch!
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea complements the spices in the cake while offering a soothing beverage option.
• Coffee: Of course, serving this coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee is classic! The rich flavors of coffee pair perfectly with the sweet, spicy notes of the cake.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Zucchini Coffee Cake with friends and family. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily store it for later enjoyment, making your mornings or snack times a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week to keep it extra fresh.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen slices, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I make this Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe vegan?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

How does zucchini affect the flavor of this coffee cake?

When cooked, zucchini adds moisture and sweetness to the cake without overpowering other flavors. It resembles apple when paired with cinnamon, making it a delicious addition!

Can I substitute other ingredients in the Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar if you want a healthier option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Zucchini Coffee Cake Recipe! It’s a wonderful blend of cinnamon and zucchini that makes every bite special. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, you’re bound to love its moist texture and delightful flavor. Enjoy baking this delightful cake, and don’t forget to share your experience with family and friends!