This carrot apple zucchini bread is a yummy treat that’s packed with goodness! With sweet apples, moist zucchini, and spices, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, this bread is like a hug in a slice! I love serving it warm with a pat of butter. It’s hard to resist sneaking pieces before it even cools down! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Grated carrots add moisture and sweetness. You can also use pre-packaged shredded carrots for convenience, though fresh is often tastier!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is essential, but if it’s not available, you can substitute with shredded summer squash or even pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
Apple: Granny Smith apples work best for a tart flavor, but use whatever apples you have on hand. Honeycrisp or Fuji also bring a nice sweetness. Just remember, the riper the apple, the sweeter the bread will be.
Eggs: For a vegan version, you could replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Nuts: I love walnuts for their crunch, but you could swap them out for pecans, or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free option.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Ready for Baking?
Squeezing out excess water from the grated zucchini is important. Too much moisture can lead to soggy bread. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist to wring out the liquid.
- Make sure to do this step well. You can also let it sit for a few minutes with a pinch of salt, then squeeze.
This simple step keeps your bread moist but not overly wet. Enjoy healthy baking!
Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple (preferably Granny Smith or any tart apple)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 60 to 70 minutes. So, in total, you should set aside around 1.5 to 2 hours to make this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, prepare your loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This step helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
4. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Add the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated carrots, squeezed dry zucchini, grated apple, and nuts if you love a little crunch.
6. Prepare to Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It’s ready for the oven!
7. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready!
8. Cool and Slice:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting to slice into it!
9. Enjoy:
Slice and serve your moist carrot apple zucchini bread! It’s amazing on its own, but feel free to spread a little butter or cream cheese for an extra treat.
FAQs for Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness, you can use any variety you enjoy. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala apples will add sweetness, so just adjust your sugar levels if needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best results, or add some if it’s not included!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Alternatively, blend 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for a flax egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the wet ingredients.
