If you have a soft spot for cozy, moist breads that smell like autumn in every bite, then this Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the subtle sweetness of apples with the delicate moisture of zucchini, this bread is packed with comforting cinnamon and finished with a luscious, rich brown sugar frosting that simply melts on your tongue. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color you expect from a really great loaf.
- 1 cup shredded zucchini: Adds natural moisture and a subtle earthiness without overpowering the bread’s sweetness.
- 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple: Infuses juicy bursts of fruity flavor and tender texture throughout the loaf.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure and that classic crumb.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms the palate, adding depth and a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apple.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and become delightfully tender.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives an extra lift to make the texture light but substantial.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the bread together and contribute to its rich, moist texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds pure sweetness without weighing the bread down.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings caramel undertones and extra moisture.
- ⅓ cup melted butter: Creates richness and a tender crumb you’ll love.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle, fragrant touch.
- ¼ cup butter (for frosting): The base of the luscious brown sugar frosting.
- ½ cup brown sugar (for frosting): Gives the frosting its deep, caramelized sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Creates the perfect, creamy frosting texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a silky finish.
How to Make Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. For an easier time removing your bread after baking, line the pan with parchment paper—it’s a little trick that makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Shred the zucchini finely and then press out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel. This step is key to avoid a soggy bread and helps keep the texture just right.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients ensures your bread will have great flavor and rise perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract for richness and that inviting aroma.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Apples
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and finely chopped apples. These fresh ingredients bring moisture and bursts of sweetness that elevate the bread’s texture and flavor.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix here—as tempting as it is, overworking the batter can make your bread dense instead of tender and light.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool completely—it’s essential before you add the frosting, or it might melt and become runny.
Step 8: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove it from heat. This step creates that deep, caramelized flavor that makes the frosting so irresistible.
Step 9: Finish the Frosting
Whisk in the milk and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This makes spreading the frosting easy and gives the bread its perfect sweet finish.
Step 10: Frost the Bread
Once your bread is completely cool, generously spread the brown sugar frosting over the top. Allow it to set before slicing so that every piece has that perfect balance of moist bread and sweet frosting.
How to Serve Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch, sprinkle a few finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before it sets. A dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices can also brighten the presentation and add a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a spiced chai latte. For a richer brunch, serve alongside cream cheese or plain yogurt topped with honey and fresh berries for a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and arrange it on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment. Add fresh apple wedges and zucchini ribbons twisted alongside for a charming harvest display. You can also cut the bread into bite-sized squares for a party platter that’s both adorable and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to three days, although it’s so tasty, leftovers may disappear long before then!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave (for about 15 seconds) until slightly warm. The frosting softens and the flavors bloom, reminding you exactly why this Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe is such a beloved favorite!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work well for a nice tangy contrast, but sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp will add more natural sweetness and softness.
Do I need to peel the zucchini as well as the apple?
Only peel the apple; the zucchini skin is thin and packed with nutrients. Just make sure to shred it finely and squeeze out excess moisture to keep the bread texture perfect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for baking. Just be mindful of any added ingredients that might affect moisture, and adjust baking time as needed.
Is the brown sugar frosting necessary?
While the frosting is the crowning glory, the bread itself is delicious on its own. The frosting adds a rich, indulgent touch that really completes the recipe, but feel free to enjoy it plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
How long will the frosting keep on the bread?
The frosting stays fresh for a few days at room temperature if the bread is stored in an airtight container. After that, it might begin to dry out or harden, so enjoy it within the first couple of days for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of apples, zucchini, and that heavenly brown sugar frosting, which makes this Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe a must-try for any home baker. It’s wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced, and altogether comforting—a true hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful Apple Zucchini Bread combines the natural sweetness of apples and zucchini with warm cinnamon and a rich brown sugar frosting. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this quick bread offers a delicious way to incorporate vegetables into your baking without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brown Sugar Frosting
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. For easier removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the zucchini: Shred the zucchini and press out excess moisture using a clean towel. Set aside to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars until smooth and well combined. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Add fruits and vegetables: Stir the shredded zucchini and finely chopped peeled apple into the wet mixture to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Melt ¼ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in ½ cup of brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove the pan from heat once it simmers.
- Add remaining frosting ingredients: Whisk in the milk and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the bread: Spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bread. Let the frosting set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to press out the moisture from the shredded zucchini to avoid a soggy bread.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk for the frosting.
- You can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- This bread keeps well at room temperature for 2 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use flavorful apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste.
