Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread
User Reviews
5
Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread
Description
The bread integrates freshly shredded zucchini, which is thoroughly drained to remove moisture, with applesauce and chopped apples, providing moistness and natural sweetness. The batter contains warming spices such as cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg for depth of flavor. Maple syrup replaces refined sugar, while coconut oil adds healthy fat and richness.
After mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, they are combined with chopped pecans for texture. The batter is baked in a loaf pan until a tester comes out clean, producing a tender crumb with moist fruit bits. Once cooled, a cream cheese glaze flavored with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and vanilla is spread on top, contributing a smooth, sweet contrast.
This bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or light dessert. It balances fruit sweetness with warm spices and nutty texture, making it satisfying yet not overly sweet. The addition of pecans can be adjusted or omitted based on preference. The glaze adds a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.
The recipe suggests squeezing out zucchini moisture carefully to avoid soggy bread. It offers gluten-free flour substitution, and alternatives for nut-free and dairy-free versions using plant-based ingredients. Freezing instructions and customization details are available in the full recipe notes.
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup zucchini shredded, from 1 medium zucchini
- 1 cup applesauce unsweetened, 250g
- 2 egg
- ½ cup pure maple syrup 156g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup virgin coconut oil melted and cooled; melted butter can substitute
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour 210g; or substitute gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Mix-ins:
- 1 apple medium, peeled, cored, roughly chopped into 1/4 inch pieces (about 1 cup chopped
- ⅓ cup pecans chopped, 37g; or walnuts if desired
- For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar 85g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-3 teaspoons milk of choice, to thin glaze
- TO GARNISH:
- pecans chopped; extra amount
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8 ¼ x 4 ½ inch with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- First, measure out 1 heaping cup of shredded zucchini, then place shredded zucchini in a paper towel, clean dish towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out ALL of the moisture/water. This is very important!
- Add shredded zucchini, applesauce, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla extract to a large bowl and mix well to combine. Next, add in the melted coconut oil and mix again until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, ginger nutmeg and salt. Mix together with a wooden spoon until well combined. Fold in pecans and chopped apples.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a tester comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Mine took an hour, but this will vary based on your oven.
- Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then remove bread from the pan and place on a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
- To make cinnamon cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and milk together on medium speed for a minute or until smooth. If you want a warm glaze, you can warm in the microwave in 10-20 second intervals until warm. Pour or spread over cooled bread. Sprinkle chopped pecans. Cut into 10-12 slices and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out all moisture from shredded zucchini to prevent soggy bread.
- Gluten-free flour can be used as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.
- Omit pecans or substitute with walnuts to make the bread nut-free.
- Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Refer to the full post for freezing instructions and more customization options.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 270 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1slice (with glaze) | |
| Calories | 270cal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 36.2g | 12% |
| Protein | 3.9g | 8% |
| Fat | 12.7g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2g | 36% |
| Fiber | 1.4g | 6% |
| Sugar | 19.8g | 40% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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