This Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is a tasty treat packed with veggies and fruits. The combination of carrots, apples, and zucchini makes it soft and sweet, perfect for snack time!
Honestly, it’s hard to believe something this delicious is made with veggies. I love having it for breakfast, and my kids never suspect a thing! 🥕🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flours: This recipe uses a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for better texture and nutrition. You can swap whole wheat for oat flour or almond flour if you’re gluten-free.
Sweeteners: Granulated and brown sugar work great together. If you’re looking for lower sugar options, try using applesauce or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Just adjust to taste.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist but feel free to use melted coconut oil for a richer flavor. You can also substitute unsweetened applesauce for oil to reduce fat content.
Fruits & Veggies: Zucchini, carrots, and apples not only add moisture but also nutrients. You can swap the apple for mashed banana or use sweet potatoes. For the zucchini, yellow squash can work too.
Nuts & Dried Fruit: Walnuts or pecans add crunch but are totally optional. If allergies are a concern, leave them out or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. For dried fruit, try chopped dates or figs.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Zucchini, Carrots, and Apples?
Grating the veggies and fruits is a key step for texture and moisture in this bread. Here’s how to do it easily and effectively:
- Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. It makes this task super quick!
- For zucchini, it’s best to leave the skin on for added nutrients. Just wash it well.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel. This helps the bread rise better.
- When grating apples, you can choose to leave the skin on for more fiber, but peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Taking these steps will help ensure your bread turns out perfectly moist and flavorful! Enjoy baking! 🥕🍏🥒
Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits & Vegetables:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, unpeeled)
- 1 cup grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 55-65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for a bit before slicing—you’re going to love it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or, for easy removal, line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures everything is evenly mixed. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until well combined. Then, mix in the oil and vanilla extract until smooth. This will make your batter nice and fluffy!
4. Add Grated Ingredients:
Stir the grated zucchini, carrot, and apple into the wet mixture, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this carefully! You want to combine them just until there are no flour pockets—overmixing can make the bread tough.
6. Add Optional Mix-Ins:
If you’d like, fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit at this stage. They add great texture and flavor!
7. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It should look nice and even.
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy! This moist bread is delicious on its own, or you can slather on some butter or cream cheese if you like. And the best part? It freezes really well, so you can enjoy it later!
Happy baking! 🥕🍏🥒
FAQ for Moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Can I Substitute the Flour in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use oat flour for a different flavor. Just ensure that any alternative flour used behaves similarly to regular flour for best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Omit the Nuts or Dried Fruit?
Yes, you can definitely leave out the nuts and dried fruit if you prefer or if there are allergies. The bread will still be deliciously moist and flavorful without them!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by using unsweetened applesauce or add more grated fruits and veggies for added nutrients. You may also substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat!
