Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread – Looking for a delicious. And a wholesome treat? This Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread. Is packed with fresh carrots, apples, and zucchini. Making it the perfect snack. Or breakfast option. With the warmth of cinnamon. And the richness of a cream cheese glaze. This bread is as comforting. As it is flavorful.
The first time I made this bread. It was an instant hit in my house. My husband couldn’t stop raving. About how moist. And flavorful it was. And my little one kept asking for more “veggie cake”. Without even realizing. How healthy it was! The combination of fresh carrots, apples, and zucchini. Along with a hint of orange. Creates a delightful balance of flavors. That everyone loves.
What makes this Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread truly special?
This bread is a delightful mix of healthy ingredients. And indulgent flavors. The fresh carrots, apples, and zucchini. Add moisture and natural sweetness. While the warm spices. And rich cream cheese glaze. Elevate it to a treat. That’s hard to resist. It’s a great way. To sneak some veggies into your diet. And it doubles as a perfect snack. Or breakfast option. That the whole family will enjoy.
What You Need To Make This Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Unsalted Butter: Using melted butter gives the bread a rich flavor. And tender crumb. Make sure it’s unsalted. To control the saltiness of the bread.
Fresh Orange Juice: This adds a citrusy brightness to the bread. Balancing the sweetness from the sugar. And fruits.
Shredded Carrots, Zucchini, and Diced Apple: These provide moisture. And a natural sweetness. Be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid from the zucchini. To avoid a soggy texture.
Pecans: Add a nutty crunch. That complements the soft texture of the bread.
Cream Cheese Glaze: This tangy and sweet glaze. Adds the perfect finishing touch. Adjust the consistency. By varying the amount of orange juice.
Steps To Make Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8×4-inch loaf pans. Then line them with parchment paper. For easy removal.
Step 2: Start by preparing the zucchini. Place the shredded zucchini in a kitchen towel. Gather the corners. And twist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set the zucchini aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This dry mix. Will ensure even distribution of the spices.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Until well combined. Add the eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisking until smooth.
Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients. Into the wet mixture. Then, fold in the shredded carrots, drained zucchini, diced apples, and chopped pecans. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly. Between the prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. Or until the loaves are golden brown. And spring back when gently pressed.
Step 7: Once baked, let the loaves cool completely on a wire rack. Before applying the cream cheese glaze.
Step 8: For the glaze, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a hand mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Mixing until smooth. Drizzle in the orange juice. Until you reach your desired consistency. Spread or drizzle over the cooled loaves. And enjoy your delicious bread!
Tip:
When making this Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread. It’s essential to remove as much liquid. From the shredded zucchini as possible. This step ensures your bread. Has the perfect texture—moist but not soggy. Use a clean kitchen towel. To wring out the zucchini thoroughly. Squeezing until you can’t get any more liquid out. This will help the bread bake evenly. And rise beautifully. Also, consider toasting the pecans. Before folding them into the batter. This simple step. Enhances their nutty flavor. Adding a delightful crunch. To every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes. You can substitute whole wheat flour. For a healthier option. However, the texture may be slightly denser.
How do I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. For up to three days. For longer storage. Refrigerate it for up to a week. Or freeze it. For up to three months.
Can I omit the cream cheese glaze?
Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own. But the glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish. That pairs beautifully. With the flavors of the bread.
Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread. Is a delightful blend of fresh veggies. And warm spices. Creating a moist. And flavorful loaf. That’s perfect for any time of day. The sweetness of the apples. And carrots is perfectly balanced. By the slight tang of the orange juice. While the crunchy pecans. Add a satisfying texture. Topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. This bread is both comforting and nutritious. Making it a family favorite. That you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients
1 c unsalted butter, melted
2 c granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
¼ c fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3¼ c all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 c shredded carrots
1 c shredded zucchini
1 c diced peeled apple (Granny Smith, Fuji, or your favorite variety)
½ c pecans, chopped
Cream Cheese Glaze/Frosting:
½ c cream cheese, softened
¼ c butter, softened
2 – 3 c powdered sugar
1–3 tablespoons orange juice, as needed
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two loaf pans by greasing. And lining them with parchment paper.
Squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini. Using a kitchen towel. And set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Then, add the eggs, orange juice, and vanilla. Mixing until smooth.
Gently fold the dry ingredients. Into the wet mixture. Then, add the shredded carrots, zucchini, apples, and pecans. Stirring just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans. And bake for 55-60 minutes. Or until golden brown. And a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, prepare the cream cheese glaze. By mixing the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and orange juice. To your desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bread. And enjoy!
Notes
To make this Easy Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread gluten-free. Simply swap out the all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free flour blend. That includes xanthan gum. Which helps mimic the texture of gluten. You may also want to slightly increase the baking powder. To give the bread a better rise. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. So you can enjoy this moist. And flavorful bread. Without any worry. Just be sure to double-check. That your baking powder is certified gluten-free. As some brands may contain traces of gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
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