This moist carrot, apple, and zucchini bread is a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients in a tasty treat. It’s soft, sweet, and packed with flavors that everyone will love!
I like to have a slice with my morning coffee. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some veggies and fruits—plus, who can resist a warm piece right out of the oven? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread, providing structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most recipes.
Carrots: Fresh orange carrots are what we need here, but if you have purple or yellow ones, they can work too. Shredding them finely ensures they blend in nicely. You can also use shredded sweet potato for a twist.
Apples: I love using tart apples like Granny Smith for added flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, Fuji or Honeycrisp are great choices. If apples are out of season, unsweetened applesauce can be used as a substitute.
Zucchini: Look for small, firm zucchinis. No need to peel them; the skin adds color and nutrition. If zucchini isn’t available, shredded cucumber can work in a pinch but may add more moisture, so adjust the liquid in your batter.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but if nuts aren’t your thing or if allergies are a concern, you can simply leave them out or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
How Do You Ensure the Bread Stays Moist?
Moisture is key for a delicious bread. Here are some tips to keep it tender and not dry:
- Don’t overmix your batter! Mixing just until the dry ingredients are blended helps keep the bread light.
- Use fresh, finely grated zucchini and carrots. The more moisture they have, the better!
- Avoid baking too long. Start checking your bread at 55 minutes. Overbaking can dry it out.
- Let it cool properly. Cooling in the pan for 10 minutes helps retain moisture before transferring it.
Enjoying this bread is all about keeping it fluffy and moist, so follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat every time! 🍞
Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 cup grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small zucchini) – no need to peel
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow 10 minutes for cooling in the pan, and then let it cool completely on a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish before you can slice into this delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture will provide the structure and flavor for your bread. Set it aside for now.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until they are smooth and creamy. This will help create a light texture in your bread. Next, pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
4. Add Fruits and Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to fold in the grated carrot, finely chopped apple, and grated zucchini. Stir gently until the mixture is evenly combined. You should see the colorful blend of fruits and veggies throughout the batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
6. Add Nuts (If Using):
If you like, you can gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added flavor and crunch. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely texture!
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, slice your moist carrot apple zucchini bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for about a week, or you can freeze it for even longer storage!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, it may make the bread denser. To keep it moist, you might want to add an extra tablespoon or two of liquid.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
If zucchini isn’t available, you can use an equal amount of shredded cucumber, but be aware that it may make the bread a bit more moist. Just squeeze out excess water before measuring!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed mixed with 3/4 cup of water. Change the oil to a plant-based option like coconut oil or canola oil.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
