This moist apple zucchini bread is a tasty treat that combines the sweet flavors of apples and the freshness of zucchini. It’s great for breakfast or a snack!
Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I sometimes eat it for dessert too! It’s so good, you won’t even notice the veggies inside. Perfectly easy to whip up and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture without overpowering the flavor. You can use yellow squash if zucchini isn’t available—it works just as well!
Apple: A sweet and crisp apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp is great. For a tart twist, Granny Smith can be used. You can also toss in some unsweetened applesauce if you prefer!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base here. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend with a 1:1 substitution.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar give depth to the flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute coconut sugar or use a sugar alternative like stevia, adjusting for sweetness.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with applesauce for half of the oil if you want a lighter option or use melted coconut oil for added flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Texture for My Bread?
Getting the right texture is key to a perfect bread. Here are some helpful steps:
- Make sure to grate the zucchini and apple finely. Excess moisture can make the bread soggy!
- Do not overmix your batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep it fluffy.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
- Letting it cool slightly in the pan helps it set before moving it to a wire rack, which prevents it from breaking apart.
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 55-65 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Total time from start to enjoying a slice is about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this bowl aside, as this will be your dry mixture.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir well until everything is nicely combined.
4. Add in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat the eggs into the sugar mixture one at a time, making sure to incorporate them well. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of flavor.
5. Fold in the Fruits:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and grated apple. This will add delicious moisture and flavor to your bread.
6. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix!
7. Add Nuts (Optional):
If you like, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a wonderful crunch!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will help it bake evenly.
9. Bake:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into delicious pieces.
Enjoy your moist apple zucchini bread with a warm cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day!
FAQ about Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini or Apples?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini or apples! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This will help avoid a soggy bread.
How Can I Make This Bread Healthier?
To make this bread healthier, consider substituting 1/2 of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it by wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and it can last up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or raisins for a delicious twist. Just keep the total mix-ins for the recipe balanced so the bread doesn’t become too dense!
