Apple Carrot Zucchini Bread – Cozy, Wholesome & Perfectly Spiced
If you’ve ever debated between baking apple bread, carrot bread, or zucchini bread—this apple and carrot zucchini bread gives you the best of all three. It’s ultra moist, full of texture, and layered with natural sweetness from fresh apples, shredded carrots, and zucchini. Warm spices and buttery richness tie it all together into a loaf that’s as good with your morning coffee as it is served warm with a pat of butter.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Carrot Zucchini Bread
This is the kind of bread you feel good about eating—but that tastes like dessert. It’s packed with produce, easy to make, and keeps beautifully for days.
🍎 3-in-1: Apple, carrot, and zucchini = flavor + moisture
🥕 Lightly spiced with cinnamon and cloves for warmth
🍞 No mixer needed—just one bowl and a grater
🧁 Freezes well and makes a great edible gift
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 cup diced apple (peeled if you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Mixing bowls
- Grater or food processor
- Whisk and spatula
- Loaf pans (two 8×4″ or one large 9×5″)
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your veggies and fruit: Grate zucchini and carrots, and dice apples. Squeeze excess water from zucchini.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line loaf pans with parchment.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Add fruits & veggies: Fold in zucchini, carrots, apples, and pecans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake: Divide batter between loaf pans. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool in pans 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfecting the Apple Carrot Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Drain your zucchini! Too much moisture will affect the texture.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a sweet-tangy balance.
- Want more spice? Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or allspice.
- Light brown sugar can be used for extra depth.
What to Serve With It
- Serve warm with honey butter or cream cheese
- Add to a brunch board with fruit, cheese, and tea
- Enjoy as dessert with a drizzle of maple glaze or powdered sugar
Looking for more cozy loaf bakes? Try Mouthwatering Cinnamon Donut Bread or Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread!
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5–6 days chilled.
- Freezer: Slice and wrap individually—freeze for up to 2 months.
General Information Apple Carrot Zucchini Bread
This wholesome bread is a fantastic way to sneak in veggies and fruit without sacrificing flavor. Great for lunchboxes, meal prep, or an edible holiday gift!
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can substitute with ¾ cup vegetable oil for a slightly lighter version.
Can I skip the pecans?
Totally. Or swap with walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Bake in a lined muffin tin at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion
This apple and carrot zucchini bread is the ultimate cozy bake—moist, spiced, and loaded with real fruit and veggies. Whether you gift it, freeze it, or eat it slice by slice with your coffee, this bread is a feel-good favorite all year round.
🍎🥕 Share your loaf on Pinterest @poulefrecipe and tag us—we love seeing your bakes!
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Moist & Flavor-Packed Apple Carrot Zucchini Bread (3-in-1 Healthy Loaf!)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 small loaves or 1 large 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This apple and carrot zucchini bread is moist, warmly spiced, and packed with fresh apples, carrots, and zucchini. The perfect cozy loaf for breakfast, brunch, or gifting.
Ingredients
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup diced apple
1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup melted unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
¼ cup orange juice
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
2½ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground cloves
2½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line loaf pans.
-
Whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, juice, and vanilla.
-
Fold in carrots, zucchini, apples, and pecans.
-
Whisk dry ingredients, then mix into wet.
-
Pour into pans. Bake 50–60 min until golden and set.
-
Cool before slicing.
Notes
Drain zucchini well. Use tart apples. Add walnuts or raisins for variety. Freezes well sliced.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
