A delicious and moist bread made with the goodness of carrots, apples, and zucchini, this Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread offers a perfect blend of flavors with a healthy twist on a classic treat. With its balance of sweetness and spice, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it combines three of my favorite healthy ingredients—carrots, zucchini, and apples—into a soft, flavorful bread. The moist texture comes from the veggies, while the apples and cinnamon give it just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into my diet without sacrificing taste. The optional walnuts provide a nice crunch, making every bite a delightful experience. This recipe is simple to make, and the result is a bread that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup grated zucchini
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup grated apple (peeled)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Add the grated carrots, zucchini, and apple to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 12
Variations
I sometimes switch up the flavor by adding some dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, to the batter. You can also use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome twist or swap the granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup to reduce refined sugar. If you’re a fan of spices, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for even more flavor complexity.
Storage/Reheating
To store, I keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want it to last longer, I refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, I either microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or pop it in a toaster oven for a few minutes. It tastes great when served warm!
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FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread actually tastes even better the next day! I love to make it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. It gives the flavors time to meld together.
Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! I freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. To thaw, I let it sit at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it has xanthan gum or another binder for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still turn out delicious.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, if you’re looking for an egg-free version, I’ve had success replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) or applesauce. This will keep the bread moist and help it hold together.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
I prefer using vegetable oil for its neutral flavor, but you can substitute it with coconut oil, olive oil, or even unsweetened applesauce if you want to reduce fat. Just keep in mind that some oils may impart a subtle flavor change.
Conclusion
This Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my diet. The combination of carrots, apples, and zucchini creates a moist, flavorful bread that I can enjoy at any time of day. Whether I’m making it for breakfast, a snack, or as a treat to share with others, it’s always a hit!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is a moist, flavorful, and healthy treat made with fresh carrots, apples, and zucchini. A perfect blend of sweetness and spice, it’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s an easy-to-make bread that can also be adapted for different dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious loaf with the option to add walnuts for a satisfying crunch!
Ingredients
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup grated apple (peeled)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
-
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
-
Add the grated carrots, zucchini, and apple to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
-
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can switch up the flavor by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Whole wheat flour can be used for a more wholesome version, and you can swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
For a more spiced flavor, add ground cloves or ginger to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 230 kcal
