Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Apple Zucchini Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. This moist and flavorful loaf combines the sweetness of apples with the subtle earthiness of zucchini. Topped with a rich brown sugar frosting, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this Apple Zucchini Bread because it’s easy, delicious, and a great way to use up extra zucchini and apples. The combination of flavors makes every bite a joy. Plus, the brown sugar frosting adds a lovely sweetness that elevates this simple bread into a special treat. Whether for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, it’s sure to impress!

How to Make Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry
• 1 cup grated apple, peeled and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For Brown Sugar Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated zucchini, apple, and walnuts if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
11. Spread frosting over the cooled bread before serving.

How to Serve Apple Zucchini Bread

Serve this delicious bread sliced, either plain or with a generous spread of brown sugar frosting on top. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it warm for a cozy feel.

How to Store Apple Zucchini Bread

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it before serving.

Tips to Make Apple Zucchini Bread

• Make sure to squeeze the grated zucchini and apple to remove excess moisture. This will help the bread to rise better and not become too soggy.
• You can experiment with adding spices like allspice or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have walnuts, you can omit them or replace them with pecans or chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Variation

For a healthier version, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before using.

Q: How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.

Q: Can I make this bread without eggs?
A: Yes, you can substitute eggs with applesauce or mashed banana, using 1/4 cup for each egg. This will keep the bread moist.

Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

A delightful twist on classic banana bread, this moist loaf combines the sweetness of apples and zucchini, topped with rich brown sugar frosting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry
• 1 cup grated apple, peeled and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Can be substituted with pecans or chocolate chips.

For the brown sugar frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed Adjust for desired frosting consistency.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
• Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Fold in the grated zucchini, apple, and walnuts if using.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.

Baking

• Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

• For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
• Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Spread frosting over the cooled bread before serving.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for three months. Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini and apples for the best texture.

Keyword Apple Recipes, Apple Zucchini Bread, Brown Sugar Frosting, Quick Bread, Zucchini Recipes