This apple zucchini bread is super moist and packed with flavor! The blend of sweet apples and fresh zucchini makes for a tasty treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, who can resist a slice of warm bread fresh from the oven? I love slathering mine with a little butter. It feels like a cozy hug in every bite! 🍏🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose and Whole Wheat Flour: Using a mix of these flours gives great texture. If you’re gluten-free, you could swap in a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for structure.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: They both help the bread rise. If you’re out of baking powder, you can use 1/2 teaspoon more of baking soda with a touch of vinegar or lemon juice to activate it.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination adds depth of flavor. If you want a lower sugar option, consider using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.
Zucchini: It keeps the bread moist. If you don’t have zucchini, grated carrots can work too, or you can try a mix of other veggies like pumpkin puree for a different twist!
How Do I Keep My Apple Zucchini Bread Moist?
For a super moist bread, the key is to squeeze excess water from your zucchini before adding it to the mix. This prevents your batter from getting too runny and helps keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the grated zucchini until it’s almost dry.
- Don’t overmix your batter; a few lumps are fine! Overmixing can make it dense.
- Check for doneness early to avoid drying it out. A toothpick should come out with only a few crumbs!
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Sugars and Eggs:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Nuts:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 60-65 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. After baking, let it cool for a bit before slicing and enjoying. Perfect for an afternoon treat or breakfast on the go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix will make your bread flavorful and fluffy!
3. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Next, add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing everything until well combined.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now, gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until they are combined. Remember, don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter has a few lumps!
5. Adding the Good Stuff:
Fold in the grated zucchini, chopped apple, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. This is where the fun begins as all those lovely flavors mix together!
6. Baking Time:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake 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 fast, don’t hesitate to tent it with foil.
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take the bread out and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it plain, or if you’re feeling fancy, spread on some butter or cream cheese!
Enjoy your moist and flavorful apple zucchini bread! It’s a yummy treat you won’t want to miss!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Other Types of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with coconut flour or almond flour, but be aware that it may affect the texture. If using coconut flour, aim for half the amount and increase the liquid ingredients as needed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and replace the oil with applesauce. You might want to add a little extra sugar for sweetness as applesauce can alter the flavor slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like ginger or clove. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also make a delicious addition. Feel free to get creative by tossing in dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
