This moist apple zucchini bread is a yummy treat that combines sweet apples and soft zucchini. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
I love how easy this recipe is! You just mix everything and pop it in the oven. The smell while it bakes is heavenly—you might need to guard it until it’s cool! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can try whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind it might give a denser texture. Gluten-free flour blends can be used if you’re avoiding gluten.
Vegetable Oil: I love vegetable oil for its neutral taste, but you can replace it with applesauce for added moisture and less fat. Melted coconut oil is also a great choice for a different flavor.
Apples: Any sweet apple works, but I prefer using Granny Smith for a nice tartness. If apples aren’t available, you could substitute with grated pears for a different but delicious flavor.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here! If you’re out of zucchini, try shredded carrots as an alternative. They’ll add sweetness and moisture, similar to zucchini.
Nuts: Optional, but I like adding walnuts for some crunch. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free option or substitute with raisins or chocolate chips for a twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Bread is Moist?
Ensuring your apple zucchini bread is moist relies on a few key steps. First, don’t skip squeezing the excess moisture from the grated zucchini—this prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Place the grated zucchini inside.
- Twist the ends of the towel, squeezing the zucchini tightly until most of the liquid is out.
- Next, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined so your bread stays light and fluffy.
- Finally, don’t hesitate to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean but moist, not with wet batter.
Following these tips will help you bake a deliciously moist loaf that everyone will love!
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruity Additions:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1 cup peeled, grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
Optional Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation and around 50-60 minutes for baking. After baking, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. So, overall, plan for about 1.5 hours for the whole process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your bread. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before you mix them with the wet ingredients.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and beat them together with the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the bowl with your wet ingredients. Gently stir them together with a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Add the Zucchini and Apple:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini and grated apple. If you’re using nuts, you can add them in as well. Gently fold everything together until just combined for a deliciously textured batter.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will help the bread rise evenly as it bakes.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help keep the crust nice and fresh!
9. Enjoy Your Creation:
Slice your delicious moist apple zucchini bread and enjoy! Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or whenever you want a tasty treat. Enjoy every slice! 🍏🥒
FAQ About Moist Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute the Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use alternatives like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated and brown sugar. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly. Keep in mind that this may change the texture a bit, so adjust as needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the bread in the refrigerator or freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I Add More Fruits or Nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extras like chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that adding too much may alter the baking time, so check for doneness if you add significantly more ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds! Mix 1 tablespoon of either with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together just like an egg.
