This Apple Zucchini Bread combines the best of both worlds – the rich sweetness of apples and the subtle earthiness of zucchini, resulting in a moist and tender loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting spice, making each bite a delicious, satisfying experience.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a light dessert, this bread also offers a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while indulging in a sweet treat. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, as you can adjust the sweetness or add extra ingredients like nuts or dried fruit to make it your own. This Apple Zucchini Bread will surely become a fall favorite for family and friends!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 medium zucchini, grated
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1 large apple, peeled and chopped
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Stir in the grated zucchini and chopped apple until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
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Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 70 minutes | Total Time: 85 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Health Benefits of Apple Zucchini Bread
Apple Zucchini Bread offers more than just great flavor. It’s packed with nutrients from the apples and zucchini, both of which offer significant health benefits. Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in antioxidants, including vitamin C, and provides a good source of dietary fiber. Apples, on the other hand, are rich in fiber and contain essential vitamins like vitamin A and potassium.
Using these ingredients in your bread not only makes it a more nutritious option than typical store-bought baked goods, but it also provides a lighter, less sugar-heavy treat. The moisture from the zucchini means you don’t need as much oil or butter, helping to keep the recipe on the healthier side. Additionally, because apples have natural sweetness, you may even be able to reduce the amount of sugar you add, making it a great option for anyone watching their sugar intake.
Why Apple Zucchini Bread is Perfect for All Occasions
Apple Zucchini Bread is an incredibly versatile recipe. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this bread fits the bill perfectly. Its moist, soft texture and naturally sweet flavor make it perfect with a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, or as a quick grab-and-go snack during a busy day. It can also be sliced up and served at a party or potluck as a lighter dessert option. With its wholesome ingredients and satisfying texture, it’s suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual get-togethers to holiday feasts.
Additionally, because it’s so easy to make, you can quickly whip it up and have it ready to enjoy within just over an hour. It’s a great recipe to bake when you have a few overripe zucchinis or apples lying around and want to use them in something delicious. And since it keeps well in an airtight container, it can last for several days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Customizing Your Apple Zucchini Bread
One of the best things about Apple Zucchini Bread is how customizable it is. You can easily add your own twist to the recipe by incorporating different ingredients or flavors. For example, you could add a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. You could also throw in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to complement the sweetness of the apples. For chocolate lovers, adding a cup of chocolate chips would turn this bread into a decadent dessert.
If you want to boost the nutritional content even further, you could consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will add fiber and a slightly nuttier taste. You can also substitute some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to make the bread a little healthier while still keeping it sweet. For those looking to make the bread vegan, replacing the eggs with flax eggs and using plant-based oil or milk would do the trick.
The Importance of Zucchini in This Bread
Zucchini may seem like an unusual ingredient for a sweet bread, but its benefits make it an essential part of the recipe. The vegetable’s mild flavor is easily hidden by the apples and spices, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the batter. But what makes zucchini such a great addition to baked goods is its high moisture content. This moisture helps the bread stay tender and moist, which is often a challenge in whole-grain or healthier baked goods. Zucchini also adds a bit of fiber, making the bread more filling and satisfying without adding many calories.
Another benefit of zucchini is that it’s virtually tasteless when mixed with sweet ingredients like apples, cinnamon, and vanilla. This means it adds texture without affecting the overall flavor profile of the bread. If you’re new to adding vegetables to baked goods, zucchini is one of the best vegetables to start with. It’s subtle yet beneficial, and it won’t overpower the flavor of your bread.
Baking Tips for Perfect Apple Zucchini Bread
To ensure your Apple Zucchini Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few baking tips to keep in mind:
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Grate the Zucchini: Make sure you grate the zucchini finely. This ensures that it blends well into the batter and cooks evenly. You don’t want large chunks of zucchini in your bread. If you want to reduce the moisture, you can also squeeze out excess liquid from the grated zucchini using a clean towel or paper towel.
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Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, firm apples work best in this bread. Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji apples are great choices as they have a balance of sweetness and tartness. Avoid overly ripe apples, as they can make the bread too mushy.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread. The batter should be lumpy, and that’s okay!
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Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so make sure to check the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it’s wet, continue baking in 5-minute increments until the toothpick comes out clean.
How to Store Apple Zucchini Bread
After baking, you’ll want to store your Apple Zucchini Bread properly to maintain its freshness. Let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze the bread. Simply slice it into portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave for a warm, comforting snack.
Conclusion
Apple Zucchini Bread is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that anyone can enjoy. It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. The flexibility of this recipe allows for plenty of creative variations, and it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. Whether you enjoy it as a simple treat or add in extra ingredients like nuts and dried fruit, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your zucchini and apples, preheat your oven, and start baking this delicious and healthy treat today!