Name: Apple Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup white sugar.; 1 cup brown sugar.; 3 large eggs.; 1 cup vegetable oil.; 3 tsp vanilla extract.; 3 cups all-purpose flour.; 3 tsp ground cinnamon.; 1 tsp each salt, baking powder, baking soda.; 2 cups grated zucchini.; 1 cup diced peeled apple.; 1 cup chopped walnuts.

A freshly baked loaf of apple bread, sliced to reveal its moist interior with visible chunks of apple, is displayed alongside green apple slices. | recipesbyclare.com

My family goes crazy every time I pull this Apple Zucchini Bread from the oven. I came up with this recipe during harvest season when my garden was overflowing with zucchini and our local orchard had the sweetest apples. The combination creates this incredibly moist tender bread that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.

Why This Recipe Works

Trust me when I say apples and zucchini are a match made in heaven. The natural sweetness from the apples pairs perfectly with the subtle earthiness of zucchini. I love adding warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg it makes the whole house smell like a cozy bakery.

What You'll Need

Granulated sugar: 1 cup just enough to make it sweet
Brown sugar: 1 cup adds such a lovely caramel note
Eggs: 3 large these make everything hold together beautifully
Vegetable oil: 1 cup though sometimes I use applesauce to lighten it up
Vanilla extract: 3 teaspoons because vanilla makes everything better
All purpose flour: 3 cups measured with care
Cinnamon: 3 teaspoons my secret for that irresistible aroma
Baking powder & soda: 1 teaspoon each for the perfect rise
Salt: 1 teaspoon to bring out all those flavors
Zucchini: 2 cups freshly grated and squeezed
Apple: 1 cup I love using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
Walnuts: 1 cup totally optional but I love the crunch

Let's Bake Together

First Things First: Get your oven warming to 325°F and grab two 8×4 loaf pans. While that's happening grate your zucchini and chop up your apple you'll thank me for being prepared.
Mix Your Dry Team: In my biggest bowl I combine all those dry ingredients. The flour baking powder and soda salt and my favorite part all those warm spices.
Now the Wet Squad: Grab another bowl and whisk those eggs oil sugars and vanilla until they're perfectly combined and happy together.
Bring It All Together: This is where the magic happens. Gently mix your wet and dry ingredients then fold in your zucchini apple and nuts if using. Don't overmix we want tender bread.
Into the Oven: Pour that gorgeous batter into your pans and let them bake for about an hour. Your kitchen will smell amazing. Let them cool a bit before slicing though I know it's hard to wait.

My Best Baking Tips

The secret to this bread is measuring everything just right and using fresh ripe zucchini and apples. Don't get too enthusiastic with the mixing you want the batter just combined. And always let your oven preheat completely trust me on this one.

A sliced loaf of apple cake sits on a wooden surface, with pieces of green apple next to it. | recipesbyclare.com

How to Enjoy It

I love slathering warm slices with butter or when I'm feeling fancy a schmear of cream cheese. It's perfect with my morning coffee and absolutely divine as an afternoon pick me up with tea.

Keeping It Fresh

This bread stays wonderfully moist for days if you keep it in an airtight container. I often pop half a loaf in the freezer wrapped really well it keeps for months though it rarely lasts that long in my house.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. Pecans work beautifully if you're not a walnut fan. My kids love it when I dust the top with powdered sugar it makes it look extra special.

For My Gluten Free Friends

I've got lots of gluten sensitive friends so I often make this with my favorite gluten free flour blend. Just add a teaspoon of xanthan gum and nobody can tell the difference.

Making It Vegan

This bread is super adaptable. I use flax eggs and coconut oil when my vegan friends visit. The results are just as delicious and everyone can enjoy a slice or two.

A freshly baked loaf of apple bread is sliced, revealing chunks of green apple inside, with some apple slices arranged beside it. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect for Fall

While I make this bread year round it's especially wonderful during apple season. There's something magical about using freshly picked apples and garden zucchini the flavors are just incredible.

Baking with Little Ones

My kids love helping with this recipe. They're in charge of grating the zucchini and mixing the batter. It's become our special weekend tradition and they're so proud when everyone enjoys their bread.

Sneaky Nutrition

This bread is packed with goodness from the fresh produce but tastes like a treat. It's my favorite way to use up extra zucchini and get some extra vegetables into my family's day.

Share the Love

This recipe makes the sweetest gifts. I often bake extra loaves during the holidays wrap them up pretty and share them with neighbors and friends. Everyone always asks for the recipe.

Anytime is Bread Time

The versatility of this bread amazes me. It works for breakfast as an afternoon snack or even dessert. I've served it at everything from casual coffee dates to fancy brunches.

A freshly baked loaf of apple bread, sliced to reveal its moist interior with visible pieces of apple, is displayed alongside green apple slices. | recipesbyclare.com

Plan Ahead

I love having this bread ready to go. Sometimes I'll spend a Sunday afternoon baking several loaves to freeze. Nothing beats having a homemade treat on hand for unexpected guests or busy mornings.

Dress It Up

When I'm hosting I like to arrange slices on my favorite serving board with some fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A dollop of whipped cream turns it into a proper dessert.

Add Some Crunch

Sometimes I get fancy and top the batter with a buttery brown sugar streusel before baking. That crispy sweet topping takes this bread to a whole new level of delicious.

Playing with Spices

While cinnamon is classic I love experimenting with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg adds such wonderful warmth. It's fun trying new combinations each time I bake.

Brunch Star

This bread is always the highlight of my brunch gatherings. I serve it alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. It's amazing how quickly it disappears from the table.

A sliced loaf of apple bread, showing its moist interior with pieces of apple, is placed on a wooden surface with green apples in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Picky Eater Approved

Even the veggie skeptics in my life devour this bread. The zucchini blends in so perfectly you'd never know it was there. It's my sneaky way of adding more vegetables to everyone's diet.

Sweet Enough

If you're watching your sugar intake feel free to reduce the amount a bit. The natural sweetness from the apples especially if you use Honeycrisp or Fuji makes this bread perfectly delightful.

Mini Loaves Love

Sometimes I use my mini loaf pans for individual servings. They're perfect for gifting or freezing in smaller portions. Just watch the baking time they'll be done quicker than full sized loaves.

A sliced loaf of banana bread with a crumbly texture and light powdered sugar on top, placed on a black plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Cozy Comfort

There's nothing quite like enjoying a warm slice of this bread with your favorite hot drink. I love it with spiced tea or chai the flavors just dance together perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I need to peel the zucchini?: No need to peel zucchini. The skin adds color and nutrients. Just grate it using a box grater.
→ Can I freeze this bread?: Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
→ Can I substitute the oil?: Replace half the oil with applesauce for a lighter version with similar moisture.
→ Why let batter rest?: The 5-minute rest allows the zucchini to release moisture and helps ingredients combine fully.

Apple Zucchini Bread