This moist apple zucchini bread is a tasty way to enjoy fruits and veggies! With sweet apples and soft zucchini, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love that it’s so easy to make! Just mix the ingredients and pop it in the oven. Plus, the smell it fills my kitchen with is simply irresistible! 🍏🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is great here, but you can use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just keep an eye on the moisture since whole wheat can absorb more liquid.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. You could also use Honeycrisp or any apple you have on hand!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture. If zucchini is not available, you might try shredded carrots, but they will change the flavor a bit.
Nuts: I often add walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you’re nut-free, just skip them. You could even add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How Do I Properly Grate and Prepare Zucchini?
Grating zucchini is simple, but you want to remove excess moisture for the best texture. Here’s how:
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Trim off the ends.
- Use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini. Aim for coarse shreds.
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel. Twist the towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this helps the bread stay from getting soggy.
Now you’re ready to add it to the batter for deliciously moist zucchini bread! Enjoy baking!
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
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 granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 55-65 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This means you’ll have delicious apple zucchini bread ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat 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 will help the bread come out easily after baking!
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 evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until well combined. Then, add in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing everything until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this gently with a spatula, just until combined. Be careful not to over mix, or your bread may become tough!
5. Add the Good Stuff:
Fold in the grated zucchini, chopped apple, and walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. It’s all about adding moisture and flavor here!
6. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. It’s gonna be delicious!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last part of baking.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy your moist apple zucchini bread warm or at room temperature!
This bread makes for a wholesome snack or a delightful breakfast treat. Happy baking!
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! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to add a couple of tablespoons of milk or yogurt to keep the bread moist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Variations?
Absolutely! You can get creative by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds. Just balance out the quantity to avoid changing the batter’s consistency.
How Can I Increase the Moisture in My Zucchini Bread?
If you find your bread is a bit dry, consider adding an extra ¼ cup of grated zucchini or a few tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce. Both additions will enhance moisture without compromising flavor!
