This moist apple zucchini bread is a delicious treat! It combines sweet apples and healthy zucchini to create a soft, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Baking this bread is super easy, and it fills your kitchen with a yummy smell. I love adding nuts for a fun crunch, but it’s tasty all on its own too! 🥒🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here! It adds moisture without overpowering the flavor. If zucchini is out of season, you can use grated carrots or even a bit of pureed pumpkin as a substitute.
Apples: I love using sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp in this recipe. They give the bread a nice sweetness. You can substitute with tart apples like Granny Smith for a different flavor, but consider adding a tad more sugar if you do!
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist! You can swap it for melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor or use applesauce for a lighter option, just keep in mind it might change the texture a bit.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give a warm flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, it’s fine to skip it or use a pinch of allspice instead.
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the right texture in your apple zucchini bread is all about mixing and baking the batter properly. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Don’t overmix! Stir until just combined to keep the bread light.
- Use fresh grated zucchini and apple for added moisture. Squeeze out excess liquid from zucchini if it’s very watery.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean but not too dry.
Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Enjoy your baking! 🍞
How to Make Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful apple zucchini bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you will bake it for 55-65 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Make sure to allow a bit of cooling time before slicing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease and flour your 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily when it’s done.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will help to evenly distribute the baking ingredients throughout your bread.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are some small lumps!
5. Fold in Zucchini and Apple:
Next, fold in the grated zucchini, grated apple, and chopped nuts (if using). This will add moisture and flavor to your bread.
6. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes evenly.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful apple zucchini bread with a cup of coffee or tea!
FAQ: Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute Zucchini with Something Else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini on hand, grated carrots or unsweetened applesauce can make great substitutes. Just keep in mind that using applesauce may alter the texture slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens before adding it to your wet ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds for extra flavor and texture. Just be cautious not to overload the batter, as this may affect baking time and texture.
