Name: Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup grated carrot; 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry); 1 cup grated apple (peeled, cored, and squeezed dry)

Why You’ll Love Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

This bread is the perfect combination of nutrition and indulgence. It’s a great way to sneak vegetables and fruit into your diet without sacrificing flavor. The texture is incredibly moist thanks to the zucchini and apples, while grated carrots add just the right amount of sweetness and color. It’s also a one-bowl recipe, making cleanup easy. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a lightly sweet dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Eggs
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
Vanilla extract
Grated carrot
Grated zucchini
Grated apple (peeled and cored)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated and brown sugar until light. Stir in the oil and vanilla extract.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix.
Gently stir in the grated carrot, zucchini, and apple.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 standard loaf, yielding about 10 slices.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Use different apples: Try Granny Smith for a tart twist or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
Add raisins or cranberries: A handful of dried fruit adds chew and extra flavor.
Make muffins: Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week to extend freshness.
To freeze, wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I keep the bread from being too wet?

Be sure to squeeze excess moisture out of the grated zucchini and apple before adding them to the batter.

Can I use applesauce instead of oil?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while keeping it moist.

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji are ideal, but any apple you enjoy baking with will work.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based oil. Check that your sugar is vegan-friendly as well.

Is it necessary to peel the zucchini?

No, you can leave the skin on the zucchini for extra nutrients and color, just make sure to wash it well.

Can I add other spices?

Absolutely. Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra warm spice profile.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this bread less sweet?

Yes, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute to suit your preference.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

Overmixing the batter or underbaking can cause the center to collapse. Make sure to mix gently and bake fully.

What’s the best way to grate the vegetables?

Use the fine or medium side of a box grater for a consistent texture that blends smoothly into the batter.

Conclusion

Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is a deliciously moist, tender, and nutrient-packed treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. It’s simple to make, full of warm flavors, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for your family or just want to enjoy a cozy homemade loaf, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.