There’s something about the quiet stretch between lunch and dinner when the kitchen suddenly feels like the best place in the house. I remember one afternoon when I found myself wandering in there, fingers itching for a little something—something that wasn’t just another cookie or plain toast. That’s when this zucchini apple bread came to mind. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg started filling the air before the bread even touched the oven rack. When I finally pulled it out, the warm aroma wrapped around me like a cozy blanket, the kind that makes you forget the half-done laundry in the corner or your phone buzzing with unread messages. It’s moist, with just the right touch of sweetness from the apple and a gentle surprise from the zucchini. Every bite feels like a small, simple victory in an otherwise busy day.
Why You’ll Love It
– It’s a comforting mix of fresh garden zucchini and crisp apple, making it just a bit different from your usual quick bread.
– The spices aren’t overpowering—just enough to make you think of fall afternoons without diving headfirst into heavy flavors.
– It holds moisture well, so it stays soft even after a couple of days, though I usually wish it would disappear faster.
– It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients, just honest baking.
Sometimes, I wonder if I should have added walnuts or maybe a drizzle of honey on top, but honestly, it tastes great just as it is. It’s one of those recipes that feel like a hug from the inside out.
PrintZucchini Apple Bread
A moist and flavorful zucchini apple bread combining grated zucchini and diced apple for a perfect sweet and spiced treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
1 cup peeled and diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mixture and mix until combined.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and diced apple until evenly distributed.
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Kitchen Notes
Don’t worry about having anything fancy to bake this bread; a basic loaf pan and a decent oven temp are all you need. I like to slice it thick for breakfast or thinner for a quick snack with coffee. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of raisins or swap the walnuts for pecans just because I feel like it, though I haven’t tested all the variations enough to say which is best. If you want, a smear of butter or cream cheese can turn it into an even more indulgent treat without much effort.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: I haven’t tried it, but swapping with a gluten-free blend might work if you adjust moisture slightly.
Q: How do I store it?
A: Keep it in an airtight container at room temp for a few days or freeze slices individually.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Sure, just be mindful of baking times and pan size—sometimes bigger batches take a bit longer.
If you find yourself reaching for something cozy and fresh, this zucchini apple bread might just be the answer. Save it, bake it, and let the simple joys of homemade bread brighten your day.