Description
This Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread that combines the natural sweetness of apples and carrots with the subtle earthiness of zucchini. Perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup grated apple (peeled and squeezed slightly)
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 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Grated Vegetables and Fruit: Stir in the grated zucchini, grated carrot, and grated apple, ensuring they are well incorporated into the wet mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and flavor to the bread.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps it set properly.
Notes
- This bread stays moist for several days and the flavor improves after resting overnight.
- You can substitute honey or maple syrup for part or all of the brown sugar to adjust sweetness naturally.
- For a dairy-free version, ensure the applesauce used is unsweetened and plant-based.
