Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread, a moist and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of carrots and apples with the freshness of zucchini. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra servings of fruits and vegetables into your diet. The combination of carrots, apples, and zucchini adds moisture and flavor to the bread, making it a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed any time of day.

How to Make Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1 cup diced peeled apple
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1-3 tbsp orange juice as needed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, sugar, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Add flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix until combined.
4. Fold in shredded carrots, zucchini, apple, and pecans.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

Serve slices of this delicious bread with a smear of butter or cream cheese for breakfast or as a snack. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat.

How to Store Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

• Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the shredded zucchini to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
• Feel free to add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.

Variation

For a healthier version of this bread, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetable oil instead of butter in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute melted vegetable oil for the butter for a slightly lighter texture.
2. Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies? Absolutely, feel free to leave out the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free option.
3. Can I use a different glaze or frosting for the bread? Yes, you can try a simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese frosting instead of the cream cheese glaze for a different flavor profile.