Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

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There’s something comforting about the combination of apples and zucchini baked into a tender, spiced loaf and finished with a rich brown sugar frosting. This Apple Zucchini Bread is a cozy treat that blends the best of seasonal flavors into a moist, flavorful bread that feels like a slice of fall any time of year.

You’ll love how simple this recipe is to pull together. It doesn’t require any fancy tools or techniques, and it fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, apples, and vanilla as it bakes. It’s the perfect way to use up extra zucchini from the garden or fridge while adding just enough sweetness to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Zucchini Bread

This bread is incredibly moist thanks to the shredded zucchini, while the apple pieces offer little bursts of soft fruitiness in every bite. It’s not too sweet, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. And that brown sugar frosting on top? It takes the whole loaf to the next level.

Can I Use Any Kind of Apples for Apple Zucchini Bread?

Yes, but some types work better than others. Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the frosting beautifully. Softer apples can work too, but they may melt into the batter more.

Ingredients for the Apple Zucchini Bread

Apple Zucchini Bread is made with wholesome, pantry-staple ingredients that create a comforting flavor and texture. Each component brings something important to the mix:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Shredded zucchini
  • Chopped apples

These ingredients balance moisture, sweetness, and structure. The zucchini keeps it tender, the apples give a little texture, and the cinnamon adds that cozy warmth.

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How To Make the Apple Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth and pale. Fold in the shredded zucchini and chopped apples.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Don’t overmix—you want a soft crumb.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Add Brown Sugar Frosting

Once the bread has cooled completely, make the frosting by melting butter with brown sugar, then mixing in milk and powdered sugar. Spread over the top and let it set.

How to Serve and Store Apple Zucchini Bread

This loaf slices beautifully and can be enjoyed slightly warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. It feeds about 8 to 10 people, depending on how thickly you slice it. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes well without the frosting.

What to Serve With Apple Zucchini Bread?

Coffee or Chai Latte

The warm spices in the bread pair perfectly with a hot mug of coffee or spiced chai.

Greek Yogurt

A scoop of creamy yogurt on the side makes it feel like a complete breakfast.

Apple Salad

For a fresh contrast, serve with something bright like this Apple Salad.

Scrambled Eggs

If you’re having this for brunch, balance the sweetness with some fluffy eggs.

Whipped Cream Cheese

Spread a little whipped cream cheese on top of a slice for a tangy twist.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn it into a dessert by warming a slice and adding a scoop of vanilla.

Roasted Nuts

A handful of toasted walnuts or pecans on the side adds crunch and richness.

Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this apple zucchini combo, check out these other cozy recipes that put a twist on traditional baked favorites:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different apple variety? Maybe added nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and homemade favorites on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting is the kind of recipe that feels like home. It’s a simple way to bake something warm and nourishing, with layers of texture and flavor that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because you have extra apples and zucchini to use up, this bread delivers comfort in every slice.

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Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting


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  • Author: Luna Bailey
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)

Description

Moist and flavorful Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting is a cozy homemade treat made with fresh apples, garden zucchini, and warm cinnamon spice. This easy quick bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert and topped with a rich caramel-like frosting for extra indulgence.


Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup shredded zucchini

1 cup chopped apples

2 tablespoons butter (for frosting)

¼ cup brown sugar (for frosting)

2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

½ cup powdered sugar (for frosting)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Fold in shredded zucchini and chopped apples.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.

6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

8. For frosting, melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan.

9. Stir in milk and bring to a gentle simmer.

10. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.

11. Spread frosting over cooled bread and let set before slicing.

Notes

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.

Let the bread cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.

The bread can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Quick Breads
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
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