why make this recipe

Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat that combines healthy ingredients into a deliciously moist loaf. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! This recipe offers a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies and fruits. Plus, the warm spices make it an ideal comfort food for any occasion.

how to make Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup shredded zucchini
1 cup diced peeled apple
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 to 3 tablespoons orange juice (as needed)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 8×4 inch loaf pans.
Place the zucchini in a large kitchen towel, bringing up the four corners and twisting to squeeze out all the liquid. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, then set aside.
In another large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs, orange juice, and vanilla, whisking until combined.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients along with the shredded carrots, zucchini, diced apples, and chopped pecans.
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pans and bake until golden brown, about 55 to 60 minutes, or until the loaves spring back when gently pressed.
Let the loaves cool completely before icing. For the cream cheese glaze, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer. Add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and continue mixing. Drizzle in orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost the bread and enjoy!

how to serve Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

You can serve this bread warm or at room temperature. It can be sliced and enjoyed plain or with a spread of butter. Adding a cup of tea or coffee enhances the experience, making it a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

how to store Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

Make sure you squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
You can substitute other nuts or even omit them if you prefer a nut-free option.
Use fresh, ripe apples for better flavor and sweetness.

variation

You can add chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture. A sprinkle of seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin, can also give it a nice crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it might change the texture slightly, making it denser.

2. Is it possible to make this without eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.

3. Can I make muffins instead of loaves?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make smaller servings. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.