Quick Zucchini Bread with Cinnamon Crunch and Brown Butter

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a loaf pan (approximately 23x13 cm) or line with parchment paper, leaving tabs to facilitate removal. This ensures the bread does not stick.

Grate the zucchini. Then, gently squeeze out the excess liquid using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial to prevent the bread from becoming soggy and to ensure the perfect texture.

In a large bowl, sift the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Mix well with a whisk to combine all dry ingredients evenly.

In another bowl (or add to the center of the dry ingredients), beat the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. The professional technique is to ensure that the liquids are at room temperature for better emulsion.

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ones and mix gently with a spatula, just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Add the squeezed zucchini and mix again just until distributed evenly in the dough.

In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the filling. Set aside. This will be the aromatic swirl at the heart of your bread.

Para a cobertura, misture a farinha, os açúcares granulado e mascavo e a canela em uma tigela pequena. Adicione a manteiga fria em cubos e use as pontas dos dedos ou um misturador de massas para incorporar a manteiga, formando uma farofa grossa.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling on top. Add the remaining batter and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon filling and all of the crispy topping.

Bake in a preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some moist crumbs, but not liquid batter. The most important tip is not to overbake to maintain moisture.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Warm slices are divine, but the flavor deepens as it cools. Serve and enjoy!