Name: Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 65 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup melted butter, unsalted.; 2 cups white sugar.; 3 eggs at room temp.; ¼ cup fresh orange juice.; 1 tablespoon vanilla.; 3¼ cups plain flour.; ½ teaspoon salt.; 2½ teaspoons baking powder.; ¾ teaspoon baking soda.; 1 teaspoon cinnamon.; 1 pinch ground cloves.; 1 pinch ground nutmeg.; 2 cups grated carrots.; 1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry.; 1 cup peeled and diced apple.; ½ cup chopped pecans.; ½ cup soft cream cheese.; ¼ cup soft butter for glaze.; 2-3 cups powdered sugar.; 1-3 tablespoons orange juice for glaze.

A freshly baked loaf of zucchini and carrot bread with a white icing drizzle, sliced to reveal its colorful interior. | recipesbyclare.com

I can't wait to share my favorite quick bread recipe that I created during last summer's garden bounty. This Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread brings together the sweetness of fresh carrots and apples with tender zucchini. Every slice is packed with flavor and always brings smiles to my kitchen table.

What Makes This Bread So Special

This bread was born from my overflowing garden and my love for baking. It's incredibly moist with little bursts of natural sweetness in every bite. I love making it for breakfast but honestly we enjoy it any time of day. It's become my go-to recipe when friends stop by for coffee.

Everything You'll Need

Carrots: I love using fresh garden carrots when possible.
Apples: Sweet crisp varieties work best here.
Zucchini: My secret for the moistest bread ever.
Pecans or Walnuts: For that perfect crunch.
Baking Essentials: Your usual flour sugar leaveners and warm spices.
Eggs, Oil, and Vanilla: The backbone of any good quick bread.

Getting Started

Let's prep our fresh ingredients first. I like using my box grater for both the zucchini and carrots they come out perfect every time. Don't bother peeling that zucchini the skin adds such pretty flecks through the bread. Give it a quick pat with paper towels though extra moisture is not our friend here.

Making Your Batter

Now comes the fun part. In my biggest bowl I whisk together eggs oil sugar and vanilla until they're nice and smooth. Then I fold in all those gorgeous shredded veggies and apples. The batter starts looking like a rainbow it's just beautiful.

A sliced loaf of vegetable bread topped with white icing, showing colorful bits of carrots and zucchini inside. | recipesbyclare.com

Ready to Bake

Give your loaf pans a good coating of baking spray. I learned the hard way that flouring them too makes all the difference in getting these loaves out perfectly. Nothing worse than a stuck loaf after all that work.

Into the Oven

My kitchen starts smelling amazing about twenty minutes after these go into the oven. Keep your oven at 350°F and set that timer for 50 minutes. Every oven is different though so start checking with a toothpick around 45 minutes.

The Waiting Game

This is the hardest part letting them cool. Give them 10 minutes in the pan then move them to a rack. I know it's tempting to cut in right away but trust me waiting until they're completely cool makes all the difference in texture.

Make It Extra Special

Sometimes I whip up a simple cream cheese frosting to spread on top. It's completely optional but turns this bread into more of a dessert. My family goes crazy for it this way.

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to play with the recipe. Sometimes I toss in some raisins or shredded coconut. Making muffins instead of loaves? Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

A sliced zucchini and carrot loaf cake topped with a white icing drizzle, placed on a wooden serving board. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect Pairings

There's nothing like a warm slice of this bread with a pat of butter melting into it. I love it with my morning coffee but it's also wonderful with afternoon tea or as a bedtime snack with milk.

Keeping It Fresh

If you can resist eating it all at once this bread stays fresh for about three days in an airtight container. I often freeze one loaf for later just wrap it well and it'll keep for months.

Everyone's Favorite

This bread always disappears fast at bake sales and potlucks. The colors inside are so pretty and inviting and once people taste it they're hooked. I always bring copies of the recipe because someone always asks.

Good For You Too

I love sneaking extra vegetables into treats. Between the carrots zucchini and apples you're getting some good nutrition along with your treat. It makes me feel better about having that second slice.

Any Season Any Reason

While summer's my favorite time to make this when the zucchini is fresh from the garden it's wonderful year-round. Those warm spices make it especially cozy during fall and winter.

A close-up of a sliced loaf cake topped with white icing, showcasing a moist texture with visible bits of zucchini and carrot. | recipesbyclare.com

Kid-Approved

My kids have no idea how many vegetables they're eating when they devour this bread. The sweet apples and warm cinnamon make it irresistible even to the pickiest eaters.

Sharing the Love

This recipe makes two loaves for a reason one to keep and one to share. It's become my favorite housewarming gift and always brightens someone's day.

Success Every Time

Here's my number one tip don't overmix the batter. Just stir until everything comes together. And always squeeze out that extra zucchini moisture. These little details make such a difference.

Ways to Enjoy

We love this bread so many ways. Sometimes I drizzle honey over a slice or add a dollop of whipped cream. It's even great alongside a bowl of soup for lunch.

Simply Wonderful

This Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread has become such a treasured recipe in my collection. It's the perfect way to turn simple garden vegetables into something truly special. Every time I make it I think about all the happy moments it's been part of in our home.

A loaf of zucchini bread is sliced to reveal its moist, colorful interior dotted with pieces of carrots and zucchini, topped with a white icing glaze, with fresh apples and zucchini in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to squeeze the zucchini?: Squeezing the liquid from zucchini prevents the bread from becoming too wet. This step ensures the perfect texture and helps the bread bake evenly.
→ Can I freeze this bread?: Yes, this bread freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, but freeze it without the glaze. Add fresh glaze after thawing.
→ What's the best apple to use?: Any firm, crisp apple works well. Granny Smith provides tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp add sweetness. Choose based on your preference.
→ Can I make this without nuts?: Yes, you can skip the pecans entirely or replace them with raisins, dried cranberries, or extra apple. The bread will still be delicious.
→ How do I store this bread?: Store glazed bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

A delightful quick bread that transforms healthy vegetables into a delectable sweet treat. Combining carrots, apples, and zucchini, this bread offers a moist texture and rich flavor profile, enhanced by a tangy cream cheese glaze.

Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread