Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

Moist & Flavorful Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

Whipping up a delightful apple zucchini bread brings unexpected magic to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet produce blends seamlessly in this surprising combination.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a moist and tender treat.

Crisp apples and tender zucchini merge into a delectable harmony of flavors.

Warm spices whisper comfort with each fragrant slice.

Home bakers will adore this simple yet impressive recipe.

One bite promises to transport you to a cozy culinary paradise that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Gather Ingredients For Moist Apple Zucchini Bread

Main Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and subtle flavor to the bread.
  • Apple: Sweet fruit that provides additional moisture and natural sweetness.
  • Flour: The primary structural ingredient that gives the bread its texture and form.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together and provides richness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil, Sugar: These ingredients contribute to the bread's moisture and sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste profile.
Dry and Spice Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and develop proper texture.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apple and zucchini flavors.
  • Nuts: Optional ingredient that provides crunch and additional flavor complexity.

Steps For Easy Apple Zucchini Bread At Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Ingredients

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab two 8×4 inch loaf pans and give them a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Take your fresh zucchini and grate it using a box grater, creating soft green ribbons.

Dice the crisp apple into small, uniform cubes.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.

Sift together flour, a pinch of salt, baking powder, baking soda, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Whisk these ingredients until they’re well blended and airy.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, crack open the eggs and add them to a mixture of vegetable oil and vanilla extract.

Pour in both white and brown sugars.

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, golden mixture that looks creamy and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Create Bread Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently but thoroughly until just combined.

Fold in:
  • Grated zucchini
  • Diced apple
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to mingle and ingredients to settle.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Once baked, remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips For Soft Apple Zucchini Bread Slices

  • Pat grated zucchini with paper towels to remove extra water, preventing soggy bread.
  • Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Toss chopped nuts in a bit of flour before adding to batter to keep them evenly distributed.
  • Reduce sugar by using ripe apples or adding natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for 3-4 days.

Apple Zucchini Bread Variations For Breakfast Fans

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Apple Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and substitute white sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar quantity, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add extra spices like nutmeg for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Nut-Free Option: Eliminate nuts and replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition without allergenic ingredients.

Serving Apple Zucchini Bread With Butter Or Jam

  • Breakfast Bliss: Slice this bread and serve warm with a dollop of creamy butter for a cozy morning treat.
  • Dessert Delight: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner sweet.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite hot tea or coffee for a perfect midday pick-me-up.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade, heartwarming gift.

How To Store Apple Zucchini Bread Best

  • Store bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from direct light and moisture.
  • Slice bread, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Keep bread in sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For crisp edges, toast in oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes or use toaster oven.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

  • Is it necessary to squeeze out moisture from the zucchini?

While not mandatory, it’s recommended to gently pat the grated zucchini with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the bread from becoming too wet and ensures a better texture.

  • Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better binding and texture.

Apple Zucchini Bread For Perfect Fall Baking

  • Boost Nutrition: Sneak in extra vegetables with zucchini, making this bread a delicious way to add healthy ingredients kids will actually enjoy eating.
  • Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this bread works wonderfully for multiple occasions from casual family gatherings to potluck parties.
  • Simple Baking Process: Requires basic mixing and standard baking techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels – even beginners can create a delectable homemade bread with minimal cooking experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combines sweet apples and warm cinnamon with moist zucchini, creating a crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both children and adults with its comforting, familiar taste.
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Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Moist apple zucchini bread brings comfort and delight to seasonal baking, blending classic flavors with wholesome ingredients. Warm spices and sweet fruit create a perfect companion for morning coffee or afternoon snacks.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup diced peeled apple
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 large eggs

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Wet and Spice Ingredients:

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare two 8×4 inch loaf pans with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. Finely grate fresh zucchini and carefully dice the apple into small, uniform pieces.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until thoroughly combined and free of lumps.
  4. In a separate large bowl, vigorously beat eggs with oil, vanilla extract, and sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until just incorporated without overmixing.
  6. Carefully fold in the prepared zucchini, diced apple, and chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  7. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients meld and improves overall texture.
  8. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
  10. Remove from oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Notes

  • Grate zucchini on a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy bread and ensure a perfect texture.
  • Toast chopped nuts before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Swap white sugar with coconut sugar or use half applesauce and half oil for a healthier, lower-calorie version of the bread.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 312
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 189 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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