This moist apple zucchini bread is a delightful blend of sweet apples and soft zucchini. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack with a warm cup of tea!
Honestly, I love how sneaky this bread is! You get your fruits and veggies all in one delicious slice. Just try not to eat it all in one sitting… it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well in most baking recipes!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture. If unavailable, you can use shredded carrots. They’ll add sweetness and still keep your bread moist.
Apples: Grated apples give a lovely flavor. I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. Any firm apple can work; just avoid mushy kinds.
Sugar: The combo of granulated and brown sugar adds depth. For a healthier version, you can substitute coconut sugar or use honey (adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly).
How to Get the Perfect Moist Texture?
Getting that lovely moist texture starts with the way you prepare the zucchini and apples. Grate them finely—this helps them blend into the batter seamlessly.
- Drain excess moisture from the grated zucchini with a clean kitchen towel, if it seems watery.
- When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Mixing just until combined keeps the bread fluffy.
- Letting the bread cool in the pan helps to set the moisture inside before transferring it to a wire rack.
With these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect, moist apple zucchini bread every time. Happy baking!
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple, peeled if desired)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious apple zucchini bread will require about 15 minutes for prep and 55-65 minutes for baking. Plan to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before you move it to a wire rack to cool completely. All in all, you can expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your bread comes out easily after baking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. This creates a nice sweet base for your bread.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold them together until just combined—it’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain; don’t overmix!
5. Add the Fresh Ingredients:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini, grated apple, and optional nuts and dried fruit. This is where the magic happens, bringing in those moist flavors and textures!
6. Pour and Spread:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly to ensure even baking.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
8. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Slice and Enjoy!
After the bread has cooled, slice it up and enjoy a piece—or two! This zucchini apple bread is perfect for a hearty snack or a delicious breakfast treat.
With the moistness from the zucchini and the sweetness from the apples, you’re in for a delightful treat! Happy baking!
FAQ About Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead! Just keep in mind that the bread may be denser and have a nuttier flavor. You might consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store leftover apple zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini or Apples?
Absolutely! If using frozen zucchini or apples, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. This prevents the batter from becoming too watery and ensures your bread maintains its perfect texture.
What’s the Best Way to Add More Flavor?
Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for an extra punch of flavor! You can also mix in spices like ginger or cardamom for an aromatic twist. Additionally, using a different variety of apples can change the flavor profile subtly!
