This moist apple zucchini bread is the perfect way to use up garden zucchinis and enjoy sweet apples! Packed with flavor, it’s soft, delicious, and a great snack.
Let’s be real, this bread is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I can never resist a slice—especially with a bit of butter! Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture similar!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture. If you don’t have any, shredded carrots can also work, but the texture will be a bit different.
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji. If you don’t have apples, try mashed bananas for a fun twist!
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives a nice depth of flavor. You can reduce the sugar by using applesauce or date sugar to keep it healthier.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free version or swap in chocolate chips for a sweet treat!
How Do I Prevent My Zucchini Bread from Being Dense?
To achieve a light and fluffy texture in your apple zucchini bread, pay attention to your mixing technique. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
- Start by combining dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. This helps you avoid overmixing.
- When adding grated zucchini and apples, make sure they’re moisture-dried (not overly wet) before mixing in.
- If you have time, let the batter sit for 10-15 minutes—this allows gluten to relax, which can improve the final texture.
Enjoy baking! Your apple zucchini bread will become a delightful addition to your table.
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apple (such as Gala or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious apple zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs 55 to 65 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s important to let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is combined. This will ensure your spices and leavening agents are evenly spread throughout the batter.
3. Cream the Sugars and Eggs:
In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs using a whisk or electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy—you want every bit of sugar to be dissolved!
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to your egg and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined nicely.
5. Incorporate Zucchini and Apples:
Now, stir in the grated zucchini and chopped apple. Make sure they are evenly distributed in the batter. This is where the fresh flavors come in!
6. Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful to mix just until combined—this will keep your bread tender! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so gently combine until no dry flour is visible.
7. Add Nuts (If Using):
If you’re including nuts, gently fold them into the batter. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor!
8. Pour Into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will help it bake evenly.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. To check if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
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. This will keep the bread moist and delicious!
Enjoy your moist apple zucchini bread as a delightful snack or breakfast treat—happy baking!
FAQ for Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
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 grating. Excess water can make the bread too wet, so pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
To store your leftover apple zucchini bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the Eggs?
Absolutely! For a vegan option, you can replace each egg with a flaxseed egg. To make one, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then use it as you would an egg in the recipe.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, raisins, or even other spices like ginger or cloves for additional flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins might affect the texture, so use them in moderation.
