This apple zucchini bread is super moist and tasty, packed with lovely bits of apple and zucchini. The best part? It has a sweet brown sugar frosting on top!
Baking this bread fills my kitchen with a warm, cozy smell. I love to enjoy a slice with my morning coffee—it’s like a little hug in your hand! ☕️💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well without changing the taste too much.
Zucchini: Fresh, unpeeled zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If it’s out of season, you could use shredded carrots as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
Apples: Choose sweet apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for a lovely taste. I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the bread. If you’re in a pinch, any firm apple will do!
Brown Sugar: This gives a deep, rich flavor to both the bread and frosting. You can use coconut sugar for a slightly healthier alternative that’s still sweet!
Walnuts or Pecans: These are optional but lend a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can add texture without impacting the flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Moisture in My Zucchini Bread?
The secret to moist zucchini bread lies in how you handle your ingredients! Remember to squeeze excess water from the shredded zucchini before mixing it in. This prevents your bread from becoming soggy.
- Set the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out until no liquid drips.
- Do not overmix the batter; fold until just combined. It helps keep your bread tender!
- Cool the bread completely before frosting. This way, the frosting won’t melt and make a mess.
Moist Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, unpeeled)
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread takes about 20 minutes to prepare, with an additional 60-70 minutes to bake, plus time to cool. Allow for a total of about 2 hours with cooling and frosting, perfect for enjoyably leisurely baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal. It’s best to make sure it’s prepped well so your bread doesn’t stick!
2. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take a minute or two—just keep mixing!
4. Adding in the Oils and Vanilla:
Slowly blend in the oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, continuing to beat until everything is well mixed and incorporated.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. You want to do this gently so you don’t overmix—just until you see that the flour is incorporated.
6. Adding Zucchini and Apples:
Next, gently fold in the shredded zucchini, chopped apples, and any nuts you’d like to use. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for delicious bites all the way through!
7. Filling the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It should look nice and even!
8. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check that it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
9. Cooling Time:
Once out of the oven, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
10. Making the Brown Sugar Frosting:
While the bread is cooling, it’s time for the frosting! Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth. This will be the base of your delicious frosting.
11. Mixing the Frosting Ingredients:
Add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until fully incorporated. It should be creamy and sweet!
12. Adjusting the Consistency:
If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. Make sure it’s just right for frosting your tasty loaf!
13. Frosting the Bread:
Once the bread is completely cool, evenly spread the brown sugar frosting over the top. Enjoy the delightful sweetness it adds!
14. Serving and Storing:
Slice and serve your moist apple zucchini bread. If you have leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator to stay fresh.
Enjoy this moist apple zucchini bread with its rich brown sugar frosting. Perfect for a snack or a sweet treat anytime of the day!
FAQ for Moist Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture. The bread should still turn out delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). This will keep the moistness of the bread intact!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I Prepare This Bread in Advance?
Yes! You can bake the bread a day before and keep it refrigerated. Additionally, the frosting can be made ahead of time too. Just store it separately and frost the bread right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
