Discover the delightful flavors of Zucchini Apple Crumb Bread with this easy recipe! Made with fresh zucchini and apple, this moist loaf is topped with a buttery crumb for a perfect treat. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or as a delicious snack. Ready in just over an hour, it makes for the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking today!
2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
1 cup peeled and grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the crumb topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
![- Zucchini: You need 2 cups of grated zucchini, which is about 2 medium zucchinis. To prepare, wash them well. Grate them using a box grater or food processor. Make sure to drain excess moisture by letting it sit in a colander for a few minutes. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy. - Apple: Use 1 cup of peeled and grated apple. A medium apple will work well. I like using Granny Smith for its tartness, but you can choose any type you enjoy. Grate it just like the zucchini for a nice texture in the bread. - Sugars: You will use 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Both sugars work together to create the perfect balance. - Nuts: You can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you're not a fan of nuts, feel free to skip them. - Spices: Consider adding more spices like ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth. A little bit goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of your bread. - Flour: Use 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for the topping. This will create a nice, crumbly texture that contrasts well with the soft bread. - Brown sugar: Use 1/3 cup of brown sugar in the crumb topping. It adds sweetness and a rich flavor that complements the topping perfectly. - Butter: For the crumb topping, you will need 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted. If you want a healthier option, try using coconut oil or applesauce instead. These alternatives will still give you a great crumb topping. Now that you have your ingredients ready, check out the Full Recipe to start making your delicious Zucchini Apple Crumb Bread! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This step helps the bread not stick. 2. Grate 2 medium zucchinis and 1 medium apple. Place them in a large bowl. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to drain excess moisture. This keeps the bread from getting soggy. 3. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk until they blend well. 4. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. This adds flavor and helps the bread rise. 5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Then, fold in the drained zucchini and apple mixture. If you like, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. 7. For the crumb topping, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the batter. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it is ready. 9. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Feel free to explore the [Full Recipe] for more tips and ideas! - Checking doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your bread is done. If not, bake it a bit longer. This simple test helps you avoid undercooked bread. - Adjusting bake time for different ovens: Oven temperatures can vary. Some run hot, while others run cool. Start checking your bread after 50 minutes. If it's not done, add time in 5-minute increments. This way, you can find the perfect bake for your oven. - Best ways to serve or enjoy the bread: Slice the bread warm. A pat of butter on top makes it even better. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or add thin apple slices for a nice touch. - Pairing ideas with beverages: This bread pairs well with tea or coffee. A glass of cold milk is great too. Choose your favorite drink for a cozy treat. - Overmixing the batter: Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Gentle mixing ensures a soft texture. - Not draining excess moisture from zucchini: Zucchini holds a lot of water. Make sure to drain it well before adding it to the batter. This keeps your bread from being soggy. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your bread easily. Adding chocolate chips gives it a sweet touch. Use about 1 cup of chocolate chips for a rich taste. You can also add dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries. Just one cup of dried fruit will brighten the flavors. Switching up the type of apple can also change the taste. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice zing. Sweet apples like Fuji will make your bread softer. Try different apples to find your favorite! If you want a healthier option, use honey or maple syrup. Replace the granulated sugar with 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. You may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe a bit. Make sure to adjust the amount so it still tastes sweet. When using alternative sweeteners, adjust the measurements. For example, if you use stevia, check the package for the right amount. Some sweeteners are much stronger than sugar, so use less. If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the flours. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. These blends usually work well in quick breads. Look for ones that have xanthan gum; it helps with texture. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for a different taste. If you use coconut flour, reduce the amount by half. Coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so add extra eggs or liquid to keep it moist. To store your zucchini apple crumb bread at room temperature, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the bread fresh for a few days. If you don't have a container, wrap the bread in plastic wrap. Make sure it is sealed tight to block air. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread first, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This method helps keep the bread moist and tasty. To thaw, simply take a slice out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick thawing. Just heat it for 15-20 seconds. In the fridge, your zucchini apple crumb bread lasts about one week. You can tell if it’s spoiled if you see mold or if it smells off. A dry texture may mean it’s past its prime, so always check before enjoying your slice. To make Zucchini Apple Crumb Bread healthier, you can reduce the sugar. Try using 1/4 cup of granulated sugar instead of 1/2 cup. You can also swap in honey or maple syrup for sweetness. For healthy fats, use applesauce in place of vegetable oil. Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan! Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. For butter, use coconut oil or vegan butter. This keeps the bread rich and moist while staying plant-based. If your bread turns out dry, check your baking time. Baking too long can dry it out. To add moisture, you can brush the top with melted butter or a simple syrup. You can also store the bread in an airtight container to keep it moist. Adding extra grated zucchini can help too. Absolutely! You can double the recipe easily. Just mix all ingredients in a larger bowl. Use two loaf pans or bake one large loaf. If you bake a larger loaf, check for doneness by using a toothpick in the center. Baking time may be longer, so keep an eye on it. You can find the full recipe for the original version above. This blog post covered how to make a delicious zucchini apple bread. We explored key ingredients like zucchini, apples, and sugars, plus optional add-ins like nuts and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and common mistakes to avoid. You can try different flavors or sugar alternatives for fun twists. Lastly, I detailed storage tips to keep your bread fresh. Now, you have the tools to create a tasty treat. Enjoy baking!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8b7b8c84-447d-4ff0-988f-041bafbd8b0a-300x300.webp)