This moist apple zucchini bread is like a hug in a slice! It’s packed with fresh apples and zucchini, making it super tasty and a bit healthy too.
Whenever I bake this, my house smells amazing! I love enjoying it with a cup of tea, and honestly, it’s hard to share. Who can resist a warm slice? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the bread its structure. If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: These sugars add sweetness and moisture. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar or even using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid ingredients as needed.
Zucchini: Be sure to squeeze out the extra moisture from the grated zucchini to avoid a soggy bread. You can replace zucchini with carrots in a pinch, but the texture may vary.
Apples: Granny Smith is my favorite for its tartness, but any firm, slightly tart apple works well. You can also try using applesauce to reduce the oil amount!
Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out or replace them with raisins or chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do I Prevent My Bread from Being Soggy?
Keeping your apple zucchini bread moist is key, but too much moisture can lead to sogginess. Here’s how to manage that:
- **Grate and Squeeze:** Grate the zucchini and then place it in a clean kitchen towel to wring out as much moisture as possible before adding it to your batter.
- **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Make sure your zucchinis and apples are fresh and not overly ripe, as overripe produce contains more water.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Mix the batter just until combined to avoid adding too much air, which can make the bread dense.
- **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick to check if it’s done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake a little longer, but don’t overbake.
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes for baking. Allow additional time for cooling—approximately 10-15 minutes in the pan and then cooling completely on a rack. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can slice and enjoy this delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that your bread bakes evenly. While it’s heating, you can prepare your loaf pan by greasing it with butter or oil, and then dusting it lightly with flour or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these together until they’re well mixed and then set the bowl aside. This ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed in the flour.
3. Combine the Sugars and Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat these together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will help incorporate air into your batter, making the bread light and fluffy.
4. Add Oil and Vanilla:
Next, pour in the vegetable oil and add the vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mixture. Mix these into the wet mixture until they are fully combined. The oil will add moisture to the bread, keeping it nice and soft.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Begin adding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, folding them in gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; stirring until just combined helps keep the bread tender.
6. Fold in the Fruits and Nuts:
Now it’s time to add the star ingredients! Gently fold in the grated zucchini, grated apple, and nuts if you’re using them. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter, but don’t overdo it.
7. Pour Into the Loaf Pan:
Pour the completed batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it is roughly even. This helps it bake uniformly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and start checking with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark. When it comes out clean, your bread is done!
9. Cool in the Pan:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to take out without falling apart.
10. Transfer and Slice:
After cooling in the pan, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, slice it up and enjoy your deliciously moist apple zucchini bread with a cup of tea or coffee!
This recipe yields a wonderfully moist, spiced bread filled with fresh apple and zucchini flavor, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in this recipe! Just keep in mind that gluten-free flours may yield a slightly different texture, so it might help to add a tablespoon of xanthan gum to replicate the binding properties of gluten.
What Happens If I Don’t Squeeze the Zucchini?
If you skip squeezing the grated zucchini, the extra moisture can make your bread soggy. It’s vital to remove excess water to ensure the bread bakes correctly and has the right texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple zucchini bread 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 for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Bread?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can include chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a splash of nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Just make sure not to overload the batter, so it still bakes evenly.
