This Moist Cinnamon Zucchini Bread Bundt Cake is a tasty treat! It’s soft, sweet, and packed with hidden veggies that make it extra special. Who would guess there’s zucchini inside?
Whenever I bake this cake, the warm cinnamon smell fills the kitchen, and I can’t resist sneaking a slice. Serve it with a cup of tea, and you’re in for a cozy time! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition to the cake. You can substitute yellow squash if zucchini isn’t available. Don’t leave the skin on if you prefer a smoother texture, but I like to include it for extra nutrients!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars give a nice sweetness and depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, you could try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures like regular sugar.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide moisture. If you’re vegan or allergic, replace each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
Oil: I use vegetable oil for a light texture. You could substitute with melted coconut oil or a fruit puree like applesauce for a healthier twist, though it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Get My Bundt Cake to Come Out Perfectly?
Greasing and flouring your bundt pan is crucial to prevent sticking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a pastry brush to coat the pan with butter or vegetable oil, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Sprinkle flour into the pan, shaking it around to cover every surface evenly. Tap out the excess flour.
- Let the cake cool briefly in the pan before inverting it onto a rack. This helps it release smoothly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a beautifully shaped cake ready to serve!
How to Make Moist Cinnamon Zucchini Bread Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis), lightly packed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bundt cake will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time. Make sure to allow extra time for cooling, about 15-30 minutes. So, overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes until it’s ready to slice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cake bakes evenly. While that heats up, take the time to prepare your bundt pan.
2. Prepare the Bundt Pan:
Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Make sure to coat all the crevices of the pan well. You can use a pastry brush or a paper towel to spread the oil or butter, then sprinkle flour over it, shaking out any excess.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps everything combine smoothly and ensures there are no lumps. Set this bowl aside for now.
4. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until you have a smooth mixture. Then, pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! It’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
6. Add Zucchini and Nuts:
Now, fold in the grated zucchini and the chopped nuts, if you’re using them. The batter will be thick, which is perfect for a bundt cake!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the thick batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, then smooth the top with a spatula to make it nice and even.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready!
9. Cool the Cake:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to remove from the pan. After that, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cake has completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if you’d like. Slice it up and serve with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy your moist cinnamon zucchini bread bundt cake—it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Moist Cinnamon Zucchini Bread Bundt Cake
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This will help prevent the cake from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make This Cake Healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can substitute some of the vegetable oil with applesauce—replace half the oil with applesauce for reduced fat. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to add fiber!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. Just add the powdered sugar dusting right before serving for the best appearance!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!