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Apple Zucchini Bread

Apple Zucchini Bread: A Moist and Flavorful Treat

Apple Zucchini Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful bread that combines the sweetness of apples with the subtle earthiness of zucchini. It’s a great way to use up fresh zucchini and enjoy the natural sweetness of apples. This bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, and is sure to become a family favorite!

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Cooking Notes
  • Variations
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Conclusion

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 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
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
  • 1 cup grated apple (peeled and cored)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
  2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  2. Gently fold in the grated zucchini and grated apple until evenly distributed.
  3. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  3. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve

  • Slice and serve the bread at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or spread with a bit of butter.

Cooking Notes

  • Zucchini: Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
  • Apples: Use any apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji will add a sweeter flavor.
  • Mix-Ins: Chopped nuts add a lovely crunch, but they are optional. You could also add 1/2 cup of raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Variations

Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread

  • Add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients for a more spiced version of this bread.

Lemon Glazed Apple Zucchini Bread

  • Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread for added sweetness and a burst of citrus flavor. To make the glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

Apple Cranberry Zucchini Bread

  • Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart and fruity addition that pairs well with the apples and zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Freeze Apple Zucchini Bread?

Yes! You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How Should I Store This Bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week to keep it fresh longer.

Can I Make Muffins Instead of a Loaf?

Absolutely! You can use this recipe to make muffins instead of a loaf. Divide the batter evenly among a muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Apple Zucchini Bread is a wonderful combination of fresh apples and zucchini, resulting in a moist, tender, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Experiment with different variations and enjoy every bite of this delicious loaf!

Happy baking, and enjoy the delightful flavors of apple and zucchini in every slice!