Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the cinnamon-sugar magic of snickerdoodle cookies with the moist, tender texture of zucchini bread.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry.
- The addition of cream of tartar gives it the iconic snickerdoodle tang.
- Layers of cinnamon-sugar topping add a delightful crunch to every bite.

Preparation Phase
Essential Tools You’ll Need
To make The Best Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread, gather these tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Large for wet ingredients, medium for dry ingredients.
- Whisk and Spatula: For mixing and folding.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.
- Grater: To finely shred the zucchini.
- Two Loaf Pans: Use 4 ½” x 8 ½” pans for even baking.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the bread properly after baking.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 3 large 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 (or substitute with ½ teaspoon baking powder)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups grated zucchini (don’t dry it out; the moisture keeps the bread tender)
For the Topping
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional; omit if unavailable)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Pans and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously coat two loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray or grease with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted coconut oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. (Tip: Overmixing can result in dense bread.)
- Fold in the grated zucchini, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated into the thick batter.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and cream of tartar.
- Set the topping aside for layering and sprinkling.
Step 6: Assemble the Loaves
- Divide half of the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar topping over the batter in each pan.
- Spread the remaining batter evenly on top of the first layer in both pans.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining topping mixture over the tops of the loaves.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of each loaf. It should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Remove the pans from the oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes and Tips
- Substitutions: If you don’t have cream of tartar, use ½ teaspoon baking powder in the batter and omit it from the topping.
- Zucchini Tip: Keep the zucchini’s moisture for a soft, tender crumb. Don’t squeeze it out.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm it up: Serve a slice of Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread slightly warmed for an extra cozy feel.
- Top it off: Add a pat of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavor.
- Sweet indulgence: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
- Coffee pairing: Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced tea for a perfect snack break.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
1. Overmixing the Batter
- Mistake: Overmixing can result in dense, heavy bread.
- Solution: Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Fold gently to avoid overworking the batter.
2. Drying the Zucchini
- Mistake: Squeezing out zucchini’s moisture can make the bread dry.
- Solution: Use zucchini as-is to keep the bread moist and tender.
3. Skipping the Topping Layers
- Mistake: Omitting the cinnamon-sugar layers can dull the snickerdoodle flavor.
- Solution: Always layer the topping in the middle and on top for the best results.
4. Not Properly Preparing the Loaf Pans
- Mistake: Skipping grease or cooking spray can cause the bread to stick.
- Solution: Generously grease the pans to ensure easy removal after baking.
5. Inaccurate Baking Time
- Mistake: Underbaking leads to soggy centers; overbaking dries out the bread.
- Solution: Check the loaves at the 45-minute mark with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Side Dish Recommendations
Pair this versatile Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread with a variety of sides to complement its sweet and spiced flavors:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Add some brightness with a mix of fresh berries, melon, and citrus.
- Honey-Drizzled Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy side to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of bread with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
- Spiced Apple Compote: A warm, cinnamon-flavored apple topping pairs perfectly.
- Maple-Glazed Bacon: Sweet and savory combo to enjoy at breakfast.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair the loaf with a warm, seasonal beverage for a cozy treat.
- Chai Latte: A spicy, tea-based drink enhances the cinnamon flavors in the bread.
- Whipped Cream & Strawberries: Add a light, fruity touch to your dessert plate.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini provides the most moisture, ensuring a tender loaf. Avoid pre-shredded zucchini, as it may be too dry.
- Customize Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar in the batter to 1 cup.
- Double the Topping: For an extra indulgent crunch, double the cinnamon-sugar topping mixture.
- Use a Toothpick Test: To ensure the bread is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- Muffin Variation: Convert this recipe into muffins for single-serving portions. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Room Temperature Storage
- Keep the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Store slices individually wrapped for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, let the bread sit at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Reheating Suggestions
- Microwave: Heat slices for 10–15 seconds to restore their moist texture.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. This method maintains the crispy topping.

FAQs
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Q: What can I use instead of cream of tartar?
You can replace it with an equal amount of baking powder in both the batter and topping.
Q: Can I use a different oil?
Absolutely. Vegetable oil or melted butter works just as well as coconut oil.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just ensure any added toppings (like butter or cream cheese) meet your dietary needs.
Q: How do I keep the bread moist?
The key is to avoid drying out the zucchini and store the bread in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Q: Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Best Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread is the perfect blend of cozy flavors and tender texture. Whether you’re baking for a weekend breakfast, a holiday dessert table, or simply to enjoy a sweet homemade treat, this recipe will not disappoint.
With its cinnamon-sugar topping and moist zucchini-packed crumb, this loaf is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with mix-ins or adapt to your dietary needs.
Take a moment to savor a slice of this delightful bread today! Pair it with your favorite beverage and share it with loved ones—it’s a treat that everyone will love.
For more recipes like this, check out our Ultimate Sweet Bread Collection.
The Best Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
For the 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
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups grated zucchini do not dry it out
For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar optional; omit if unavailable
Instructions
Step One: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously coat two loaf pans (approximately 4 ½” x 8 ½”) with your favorite cooking spray.
Step Two: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat together the melted coconut oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. (The batter will be thick.)
- Fold in the grated zucchini and mix until fully incorporated.
Step Three: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and cream of tartar to create the topping mixture.
Step Four: Assemble and Bake
- Divide half of the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the topping mixture over the batter in each pan.
- Divide the remaining batter evenly between the two pans, spreading it over the topping layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining topping mixture evenly over the tops of each loaf.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
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