Imagine golden cinnamon streusel showering a pillow-soft, moist zucchini bread that feels straight out of a beloved neighborhood bakery. That’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Streusel Topped Zucchini Bread Bakery Style—a recipe that truly embodies A Stunning Loaf. Each slice boasts a cozy aroma, a sweet crumb, and just enough crunch from the topping to make it delightfully irresistible. Whether you’re baking to celebrate the peak of zucchini season or to brighten a rainy afternoon, this recipe promises to bring warmth and comfort to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking A Stunning Loaf is a deliciously simple affair, thanks to a handful of key ingredients. Each component has its own secret mission—bringing tenderness, structure, flavor, or a signature crunch, making every bite of this bread truly memorable.

All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of our loaf, providing just the right crumbly texture that holds up to the super moist zucchini.
Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon): Divided between the bread and the streusel, it infuses warmth and aroma in every nook and cranny.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the bread its lift so it turns out fluffy, tender, and never dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance sweetness and enhance all the cozy spices.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Subtle but mighty, nutmeg rounds out the spice blend for real bakery flair.
Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups + 1/4 cup): Sweetens both the bread and the crunchy topping, ensuring every bite is perfectly luscious.
Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the loaf ultra-moist and fresh-tasting for days.
Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add rich flavor to A Stunning Loaf.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla makes the loaf taste extra homemade and special.
Grated Zucchini, Squeezed Dry (2 cups): The secret to incredible moisture and a lovely, tender crumb—plus it sneaks in a veggie!
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For crunch and a nutty kick to balance the sweetness, but totally optional if you want a pure zucchini experience.
All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup, for streusel): Helps create those irresistible bakery-style crumbles on top.
Packed Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a deep, caramel note to the streusel topping.
Cold Unsalted Butter, Cut Into Small Pieces (1/4 cup): The trick for crumbly, crisp streusel that doesn’t melt into the batter.

How to Make A Stunning Loaf

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by setting yourself up for success—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and generously grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This little bit of insurance ensures your A Stunning Loaf slides out beautifully, keeping those crispy edges intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. This simple step guarantees all the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed so you don’t end up with any flavorless patches.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. These ingredients bring structure, moisture, and subtle sweetness, setting a solid foundation for A Stunning Loaf.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Now pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently mix just until combined—don’t worry if you spy a few floury streaks! This keeps your zucchini bread soft and tender instead of tough or dry.

Step 5: Fold in Zucchini and Nuts

Time to add the heart of the loaf: lightly fold in the squeezed, grated zucchini and, if you fancy, the chopped nuts. The zucchini melts into the bread for unbeatable moisture, while the nuts give extra crunch and toasty flavor.

Step 6: Pour into Pan

Transfer your batter to the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly from edge to edge, making sure every slice of A Stunning Loaf will have that signature bakery shape.

Step 7: Prepare the Streusel

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and use a fork (or your fingertips) to blend until the mix looks like coarse, delicious crumbs. This is the bakery magic that turns a good loaf into A Stunning Loaf.

Step 8: Top the Batter

Sprinkle the crumbly streusel generously and evenly over the batter. Don’t skimp! The thick layer gives you that signature, crackly top that makes every slice feel special.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The streusel will be crisp and golden, and the kitchen will smell downright enchanting!

Step 10: Cool and Unmold

Let your masterpiece rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set the structure, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—it’s the secret to neat, bakery-style slices every time.

How to Serve A Stunning Loaf

Garnishes

If you want to take your loaf from wonderful to truly showstopping, try a dust of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts right before serving. A slight shimmer or crunch goes a long way in highlighting the classic look and flavor of A Stunning Loaf.

Side Dishes

Serve a warm slice with fresh strawberries, sweet cream butter, or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for an extra cozy breakfast or brunch. If you’re hosting, pairing A Stunning Loaf with hot coffee or a spiced chai latte makes mornings feel like a bakery run at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and fan the loaf on a rustic wooden board for family feasts, or wrap individual slices in wax paper tied with twine for charming lunchbox treats. For a festive table, cube A Stunning Loaf and serve it trifle-style layered with whipped cream and berries. The possibilities are as delightful as the bread itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

A Stunning Loaf stays moist and flavorful for several days if stored right. Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them at room temperature for up to three days. The streusel might lose its crispness after day two but the rich, spiced flavor holds up beautifully.

Freezing

To save some for later (or to plan ahead for guests), let your loaf cool completely, then wrap it snugly in two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

A quick reheat brings that just-baked magic back: warm individual slices in a toaster or a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes. The streusel topping revives marvelously, restoring the signature crunch that makes A Stunning Loaf a true bakery treat.

FAQs

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on texture—gluten-free versions may bake a little faster, so start checking at the 45-minute mark.

Do I have to peel the zucchini?

Not at all! The skin is thin and adds lovely green flecks to A Stunning Loaf. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture after grating so the bread stays fluffy instead of soggy.

Can I use another oil or butter instead of vegetable oil?

Light olive oil or melted coconut oil both work well and add a slight flavor twist. Melted butter is also fine, but will make the loaf a bit denser and richer.

What if I want to make muffins instead of a loaf?

Go for it! Divide the batter and streusel among lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 22-26 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll have A Stunning Loaf in adorable, hand-held form!

My streusel sank into the loaf! What happened?

If the streusel topping disappears, it’s usually because the batter was too thin (sometimes due to not squeezing the zucchini enough). Next time, press the crumbs gently into the batter, and be sure to squeeze out all excess zucchini moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the aroma and taste of a homemade Cinnamon Streusel Topped Zucchini Bread, especially when it turns out as gorgeous and bakery-worthy as A Stunning Loaf. I hope you’ll try this recipe and share it with your favorite people—the crumb, the crunch, and the little flecks of zucchini make each bite pure comfort. Happy baking!