Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe – 7 Irresistible Steps for Moist Homemade Loaves

Table of Contents

Introduction

This Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe is something truly special when it comes to homemade quick breads. It fills the kitchen with warm, cozy aromas and brings back memories of family gatherings, holidays, or a neighbor stopping by with a fresh loaf wrapped in foil. Moist, flavorful, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread combines the delicate sweetness of apples with the tenderness of zucchini for a loaf that feels like pure comfort.

The first time I made this bread was in early fall, right after apple-picking season. My garden was still producing zucchini, and I had more apples than I knew what to do with. Combining the two turned out to be a game-changer. The bread baked up golden brown, with a slightly crisp crust and a soft, fragrant crumb inside. It was perfect for breakfast with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

If you enjoy nostalgic homemade treats, you’ll also love this Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake, another moist and flavorful bake.

Ingredients for Apple Zucchini Bread

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
½ cup canola oil
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
2 heaping cups shredded zucchini
1 ½ cups finely diced apple

Directions for Apple Zucchini Bread

Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or cooking spray.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry mixture into wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in Zucchini & Apple: Gently fold shredded zucchini and diced apple into the batter.
Bake: Divide batter into pans. Bake 35 minutes, then cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake an additional 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations: Apple Zucchini Bread

Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of walnuts or pecans for texture.
Healthier Twist: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Spiced Up: Add ginger or cardamom for deeper flavor.
Breakfast Ready: Toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese.
Pairing Idea: Try with this cozy Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe for a sweet-and-savory balance.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap loaves or slices individually in plastic, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Time & Yield: Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves (about 16 slices each)

Tools Used

Mixing bowls
Whisk & spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
Wire rack

FAQ

Q1: Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, just wash and grate—it blends right into the bread.

Q2: Can I use a different apple?
Yes, Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji give more sweetness.

Q3: How do I keep the bread moist?
Do not overbake, and store tightly wrapped to preserve moisture.

Final Thoughts: Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

This Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe is the best of both worlds—sweet apples and tender zucchini baked into a moist, flavorful loaf. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or dessert. With its warm spices and soft crumb, this bread is one of those recipes you’ll want to make over and over.

For more creative quick bread ideas, check out Delish’s quick bread recipes. You’ll find endless ways to turn everyday ingredients into something unforgettable.