This yummy Apple Zucchini Bread is a perfect mix of sweet and healthy. Packed with grated zucchini and fresh apples, it’s super moist and oh-so-tasty!
It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your snack! I love having a slice with my morning coffee. Trust me, it’ll disappear faster than you think! ☕🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for your bread. If you want to make it healthier, try using whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it may make the bread denser.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is essential for moisture. You can use yellow squash if you have that on hand, but zucchini has a milder taste that works perfectly here.
Apples: I like using Granny Smith for their tartness. If you prefer sweeter bread, go with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Just be sure to peel and chop them fine.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts for a bit of crunch. If you’re allergic, feel free to skip them or use pumpkin seeds instead for a nut-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Stays Moist?
The trick to moisture is removing excess water from the grated zucchini. Here’s how:
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Don’t skip this step! Too much moisture can affect the bread’s texture.
Also, using oil instead of butter helps keep it tender and moist. Lastly, don’t overmix the batter—this can lead to a tough loaf!
Delicious Apple Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 50 to 60 minutes to bake. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes including cooling time, so you can enjoy your flavorful bread fresh from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You’ll want a nice smooth mixture!
4. Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended. It’s important not to overmix, or your bread might become tough!
5. Add Zucchini and Apple:
Fold in the grated zucchini, chopped apple, and nuts if you’re adding them. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to gently smooth the top for even baking.
7. Bake:
Pop the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean!
8. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to remove.
9. Transfer to Rack:
After 10 minutes, transfer your bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step is key to keeping the bread from getting soggy!
10. Slice and Enjoy:
When the bread is cool, slice it up and enjoy! It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a little butter or cream cheese spread on top for an extra treat!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Apple Zucchini Bread!
FAQ About Delicious Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend! Make sure to choose a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The results should be very similar!
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To keep it fresh longer, you can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bread by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. You can also throw in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet treat!
What If My Zucchini Bread is Too Dense?
If your bread turns out dense, you may have overmixed the batter. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined. Additionally, make sure not to pack the zucchini too tightly when measuring and check that your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening!
