This moist carrot apple zucchini bread is a tasty treat packed with healthy flavors. The mix of sweet carrots, juicy apples, and tender zucchini makes for a delightful bite every time!
I love to enjoy it warm with a bit of butter or cream cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and it makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking! 🥕🍏🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for this bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works surprisingly well!
Oils: Vegetable oil provides a nice moist texture. For a slightly different flavor, you can use melted coconut oil. I enjoy the hint of coconut it adds!
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar keeps the bread moist and adds sweetness. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Eggs: Eggs help with the bread’s structure and moisture. If you need an egg-free version, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) as a binder.
Zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini. You can also swap zucchini for squash if you like!
Apples: Feel free to use any sweet apple variety. I usually pick Fuji apples, as they are sweet and hold their shape well.
How Do I Keep My Bread Moist and Flavorful?
The secret to this bread’s moistness lies in not overmixing the batter and properly incorporating ingredients. Here’s how to ensure great results:
- When mixing wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Be sure to squeeze as much moisture out of the grated zucchini as possible. Too much moisture can lead to soggy bread.
- Adding unsweetened applesauce not only adds flavor but also gives extra moisture.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a rack. This helps it firm up.
Follow these tips, and you’re sure to have a delicious loaf every time! Enjoy your baking!
Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (any sweet variety like Fuji or Gala)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional for extra moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let it cool for a bit after baking, bringing the total time to around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can slice into it. The good news? The fabulous aroma will fill your kitchen while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This sets the foundation for your delicious bread. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add vegetable oil, both granulated and brown sugars, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This helps keep your bread nice and fluffy.
5. Fold in the Good Stuff:
Now, fold in the grated carrots, grated zucchini (remember to squeeze out the excess moisture), the chopped apple, and the nuts if you’re using them. Feel free to add in the applesauce for extra moisture here as well!
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It’s looking good already!
7. Bake the Bread:
Slide your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it seems to be browning too fast, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set up nicely!
9. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cool, slice your delicious bread and enjoy! It’s great with butter, cream cheese, or just on its own. You can store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Now, go ahead and savor your homemade moist carrot apple zucchini bread!
FAQ for Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour! However, it may make the bread denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture while still adding the nutritional benefits of whole grains.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly!
Can I Use Different Fruits or Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits like pears or bananas. You can also swap walnuts or pecans for chocolate chips for a sweeter treat if you like!
What If My Zucchini and Carrots Are Wet?
It’s important to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini and even the carrots if they seem particularly watery. This prevents the bread from becoming too soggy. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels for squeezing!
These tips should help you get the best results and enjoy your baking experience even more!
