Apple Zucchini Bread is a moist and delicious quick bread that’s perfect for using up seasonal produce. Packed with fresh zucchini, sweet apples, and warm spices, this bread is full of flavor and makes a wonderful breakfast, snack, or dessert. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup grated apple (about 1 large apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini, grated apple, and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
- Apple Variety: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well for this recipe, as they add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense texture. Stir until just combined.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Apple Zucchini Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Cranberry Walnut: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries along with the chopped walnuts for extra flavor.
- Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread: Increase the amount of cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Oil?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor to the bread.
2. How Do I Store Apple Zucchini Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
3. Can I Freeze This Bread?
Yes, you can freeze apple zucchini bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Do I Need to Peel the Apple?
No, you do not need to peel the apple. The skin adds extra fiber and nutrients, and it will soften during baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast.
- Snack: Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
- Dessert: Warm a slice and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
- Gift Idea: Wrap the bread in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Apple Zucchini Bread is a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make quick bread that’s perfect for any time of the day. The combination of zucchini, apple, and warm spices creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting taste of freshly baked apple zucchini bread!