This moist apple zucchini bread is a yummy treat packed with fruits and veggies. With sweet apples and soft zucchini, it’s perfect for breakfast or snacks!
Honestly, every bite feels like a warm hug. I love to slather mine with butter while it’s still warm. You have to try it that way—it’s bliss! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This provides the base for your bread. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though be aware it may make the texture a bit denser.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise. If you’re out of one, you can use 1 ½ teaspoons of the other, but it’s best to use both for the ideal texture.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar brings sweetness to the bread. If you want a healthier twist, you can substitute with brown sugar or honey, but add a little less liquid if using honey.
Zucchini: This is a key ingredient that adds moisture. If you don’t have zucchini, you can use grated carrots, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Apple: Choose a sweet apple like Gala or Fuji for best results. You can also use unsweetened applesauce instead of grated apple, just keep the total liquid in mind.
Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies or don’t want nuts, just skip them.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Zucchini for Bread?
Getting your zucchini ready is essential for a moist bread. You want to squeeze out the excess moisture to avoid a soggy loaf. Here’s how:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels.
- Twist and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. This step can make a huge difference!
Once it’s squeezed, you’re ready to mix it into your batter. Enjoy your baking!
Moist 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
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits & Veggies:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together, plus 50-60 minutes of baking time. It’s a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes for a delicious loaf of moist apple zucchini bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, 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 soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed in your batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth—this should take just a minute or so.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—remember, don’t overmix! Lumps are perfectly fine, and they’ll make for a tender bread.
5. Fold in the Zucchini and Apple:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini, grated apple, and walnuts or pecans if you choose to use them. Make sure everything is mixed in nicely but still be gentle!
6. Pour Into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It’s okay if it doesn’t look perfect; it will rise nicely as it bakes!
7. Bake Away:
Slide that pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent it from getting soggy.
9. Enjoy Your Delicious Bread:
Slice your moist apple zucchini bread and enjoy it plain or with butter or cream cheese spread on top. It’s fantastic any time of the day!
FAQ for Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may make your bread a bit denser. You might want to use a mix of both for a lighter texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Zucchini Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness, but make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or more nuts if you like. Just make sure not to overload the batter to keep the bread moist.
Can I Freeze This Bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
