Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

Luscious Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe for Sweet Harvest Magic

Baking delightful apple zucchini bread brings unexpected magic to your kitchen adventure.

Fresh summer gardens often yield surplus zucchini perfect for creative recipes.

Seasonal produce transforms ordinary quick breads into something extraordinary.

Unexpected ingredient combinations create surprising culinary delights that spark excitement.

Sweet apples and tender zucchini blend seamlessly in this moist, tender loaf.

Subtle spices and natural sweetness make this recipe irresistible.

Slice into pure comfort and savor each delectable moment.

Let’s whip up something delicious that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients.

What To Love About Apple Zucchini Bread

  • Boost Nutrition Sneakily: Pack extra vegetables into a delightful bread without compromising taste, making it a smart way to increase nutritional intake for picky eaters.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like replacing walnuts with pecans or using applesauce instead of oil, allowing personal touch and dietary preferences.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Versatile recipe that works great for mini loaves or full-sized versions, ideal for potlucks, breakfast gatherings, or gifting to neighbors and friends.
  • Stress-Free Baking: Simple mixing technique requires minimal baking skills, ensuring even beginner bakers can successfully create a delicious treat with basic kitchen tools.

What’s Needed For Apple Zucchini Bread

Main Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: A fresh vegetable that adds moisture and nutrition to the bread.
  • Apple: A sweet fruit that provides natural sweetness and texture to the recipe.
  • Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the bread.
  • Eggs: A binding agent that helps hold the bread together.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil, Applesauce: Ingredients that add moisture and help create a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that brings depth to the bread.
  • White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that provide different levels of sweetness and moisture.
Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Spices and leavening agents that contribute to the bread's flavor and rise.
  • Walnuts: A crunchy addition that provides texture and nutty flavor to the bread.

Apple Zucchini Bread Baking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans or six mini loaf pans and give them a gentle grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Produce

Using a box grater, shred the zucchini into fluffy ribbons. Peel the apple and chop it into tiny, bite-sized cubes. Set both aside.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda

Step 4: Whip Up Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat until smooth:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Fold in Delightful Extras

Gently fold into the batter:
  • Grated zucchini
  • Diced apple
  • Chopped walnuts

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 7: Fill the Pans

Evenly distribute the batter between your prepared pans.

Step 8: Bake Mini Loaves

For mini loaves, bake for 35-40 minutes.

Step 9: Bake Full-Sized Loaves

For standard loaves, bake for 55 minutes.

Step 10: Check for Doneness

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked!

Step 11: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Carefully remove from the pan and allow to cool completely before slicing into delectable pieces.

Helpful Tips For Apple Zucchini Bread

  • Squeeze Out Moisture: Gently press grated zucchini with paper towels to remove excess water, preventing soggy bread and ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Swap Ingredients Wisely: Replace walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds for nut allergies, maintaining the bread's delightful crunch and flavor profile.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Reduce sugar by using unsweetened applesauce or adding ripe mashed bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfast or snack options.
  • Store Smartly: Keep bread at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing its soft, moist texture.

New Takes On Apple Zucchini Bread

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Apple Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Apple Zucchini Loaf: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace white sugar with maple syrup for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Zucchini Apple Bread: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sweetener quantity to create a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Nut-Free Variation: Eliminate walnuts and add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch while keeping the recipe safe for those with nut allergies.

Tasty Sides With Apple Zucchini Bread

  • Brew Perfectly Paired Tea: Serve a warm cup of chai or cinnamon tea to complement the bread's spicy notes and enhance its cozy flavor profile.
  • Create Creamy Companion: Spread soft cream cheese or vanilla-flavored mascarpone on a slice to add luxurious richness and balance the bread's subtle sweetness.
  • Craft Seasonal Beverage Match: Pour a chilled apple cider or warm mulled wine to echo the apple and zucchini ingredients, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Design Nutty Sidekick: Offer a small scoop of maple walnut ice cream alongside the bread to highlight the existing walnut chunks and provide a delightful temperature contrast.

Store Apple Zucchini Bread Without Fuss

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the bread cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw individual slices at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bread in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave slices for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and bring out the warm, comforting flavors.

Apple Zucchini Bread FAQs Explained

  • Why use both zucchini and apple in this bread?

The combination adds moisture, natural sweetness, and extra nutrients. Zucchini provides a soft texture while apple enhances the overall flavor profile, making the bread more interesting and delicious.

  • Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 ratio replacement to maintain the bread’s structure and texture.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The bread is a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables into a sweet treat. Kids often enjoy the mild flavor and won’t even realize they’re eating zucchini.

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Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 55–75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Moist and delightful apple zucchini bread brings together classic autumn flavors in one irresistible loaf. Sweet zucchini and crisp apples create a perfectly balanced treat you’ll crave during cozy weekend mornings.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or substitute half with applesauce)
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup apple (peeled and diced)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Nuts:

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare loaf pans by coating thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Grate fresh zucchini using a box grater, allowing excess moisture to drain. Peel and finely dice the apple into uniform small cubes.
  3. Sift together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain bread’s tender texture.
  6. Carefully fold grated zucchini, diced apple, and chopped walnuts into the batter. Let mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
  8. Bake mini loaves for 35-40 minutes or full-sized loaves for 55 minutes, rotating pan halfway through cooking time.
  9. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean with no wet batter attached.
  10. Remove from oven and let bread rest in pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Swap applesauce for vegetable oil to reduce fat content and make the bread healthier.
  • Gently squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini to prevent soggy bread texture.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour blend.
  • Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunchiness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 357 kcal
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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