I love sharing easy and healthy recipes that taste great. Today, I’m bringing you two wonderful zucchini bread recipes perfect for using up garden zucchini or just enjoying a cozy baked good. These recipes are packed with good-for-you ingredients, and I promise they are simple to make.
Whether you like a lighter, fruit-filled bread or a comforting chocolate version, you’ll find a new favorite here. I’ve broken down each recipe to make your baking experience smooth and fun.
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Healthy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
This bread is a great way to enjoy veggies in a sweet treat. It’s packed with good things like carrots, apples, and zucchini, making it a delicious choice for breakfast or a snack.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Zucchini Bread
- Grated Zucchini: Always squeeze out extra water from the grated zucchini. This step is important to keep your bread from getting soggy.
- Applesauce: Using unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. It also helps cut down on the amount of oil you need.
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for extra fiber and a hearty texture.
What You Need for Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
- 2 cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup grated apple
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
⏱️ Time: 50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 loaf
How to Make This Zucchini Bread
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Make sure to squeeze any extra water from your grated zucchini before you start.
Step 2: Mix Dry & Wet
In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk the applesauce, olive oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine & Bake
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined, then gently fold in the squeezed zucchini, carrots, and apple. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
Step 4: Cool
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.
📝 Final Note
This bread stores well. Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week for lasting freshness.
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
This chocolate zucchini bread is rich and satisfying, but also has hidden veggies. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy something sweet while getting some goodness too.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Cocoa Powder: Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate taste. It adds deep flavor without extra sugar.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: A small amount of mini chocolate chips adds a nice texture and extra bursts of chocolate flavor. They melt wonderfully in the bread.
- Greek Yogurt: Adding plain Greek yogurt helps keep the bread moist and adds a bit of protein. It’s a smart substitute for some of the oil.
What You Need for This Chocolate Recipe
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
⏱️ Time: 55 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 loaf
How to Make This Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Step 1: Oven Prep
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it. Remember to squeeze out any extra water from your grated zucchini.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is mixed well.
Step 3: Mix Wet & Combine
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the squeezed zucchini and chocolate chips.
Step 4: Bake & Rest
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before moving it to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
📝 Final Note
For an extra rich treat, you can add a simple chocolate glaze once the bread is completely cool. Or just enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee or tea!