This moist apple zucchini bread is a perfect treat for any time of day! It’s loaded with sweet apples and tender zucchini, making it super soft and tasty.
I love how easy this bread is to whip up and how it makes your kitchen smell heavenly while baking. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free blend instead. I’ve found that almond flour can also work well, but you might want to adjust the liquid slightly.
Granulated & brown sugar: These sugars add sweetness and moisture. If you prefer, you can substitute honey or maple syrup, but you’ll need to reduce the liquid in the recipe a bit to balance it out. I love using coconut sugar as a healthier option too!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture. You can also use yellow squash if it’s what you have. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water, or the bread might be too wet. I like using a box grater for an even texture.
Apples: Sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala work well for this recipe. If you have tart apples, consider adding a touch more sugar. Applesauce is a great substitute as well—just use about ¾ cup for one apple.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts or pecans for crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer. Sunflower seeds are also a great nut-free option if needed!
How Do You Ensure Your Bread is Moist and Not Dense?
To keep your apple zucchini bread light and moist, focus on a few important steps:
- Make sure your zucchini is properly drained; excess moisture can make the bread soggy.
- Avoid overmixing the batter! Mix until just combined to keep the texture tender.
- Don’t skip on the sugars—they add moisture and flavor. Using both granulated and brown sugars gives a nice balance.
- Baking time is crucial. Start checking at the 55-minute mark, and only take it out when a toothpick comes out clean.
Following these tips will help you achieve deliciously moist bread every time! Enjoy baking! 😊
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 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
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apple (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 55-65 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes to cool in the pan. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your freshly baked apple zucchini bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture adds flavor and helps the bread rise. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy texture!
4. Add Oil and Vanilla:
Pour in the vegetable oil and the vanilla extract to the wet mixture, and mix well to combine. This will add moisture and delicious flavor to the bread.
5. Incorporate Zucchini and Apple:
Now it’s time to stir in the grated zucchini and chopped apple until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the magic happens—these ingredients make the bread super moist!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense bread, and you want it soft and airy.
7. Add Nuts (if using):
If you’re adding nuts, fold them into the batter now. This will add a nice crunch and extra flavor!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps to give the bread an even shape as it bakes.
9. Bake Your 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 when the bread is ready!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your moist and flavorful apple zucchini bread plain or with a spread of butter!
Happy baking! Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil with Olive Oil?
Absolutely! You can use olive oil instead of coconut oil; just keep in mind it may impart a slight olive flavor to your bread. Use the same amount—⅓ cup—and your bread will still turn out beautifully moist!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Instead of Sugar?
Yes! You can replace the granulated and brown sugars with maple syrup or honey. For every cup of sugar, use about ¾ cup of liquid sweetener, and reduce the oil by a tablespoon or two to balance the moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep your apple zucchini bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge, where it can last for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding raisins, cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips. Just be mindful of the total moisture content to ensure the bread maintains its perfect texture!
