Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

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Moist, lightly spiced, and crowned with a velvety brown sugar frosting, this Apple Zucchini Bread brings the best of fall baking into a single loaf. The shredded zucchini keeps the bread incredibly soft, while the apples add a subtle sweetness and texture. If you love a cozy bake that feels both wholesome and indulgent, this one’s for you.

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Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up garden zucchini or craving a breakfast loaf that feels like dessert, this bread is a winner. The brown sugar frosting melts slightly into the top, giving every bite a hint of caramel richness. Ideal for breakfast, snack time, or as a sweet ending to a casual dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Zucchini Bread

  • Incredibly moist and tender thanks to zucchini.
  • Naturally sweetened with apples and brown sugar.
  • The brown sugar frosting takes it over the top.
  • It freezes beautifully for future cravings.
  • Great way to sneak veggies into something delicious.

What Kind of Zucchini and Apples Should I Use?

When baking this bread, go for medium-sized zucchini with the skin on – it adds color and texture. There’s no need to squeeze out the liquid unless it’s overly watery. For apples, choose a sweet variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. They add a soft bite and sweet fragrance that pairs beautifully with the spice in the loaf.


Ingredients for the Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

This bread comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each element plays an important role:

  • Zucchini: Adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft.
  • Apple: Offers natural sweetness and juicy texture.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure.
  • Brown sugar: Sweetens and deepens the flavor.
  • Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
  • Cinnamon & nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together.
  • Vegetable oil: Helps create a tender loaf.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds aroma.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: For rise.
  • Salt: Balances flavors.
  • Butter, brown sugar, milk (for frosting): Create a creamy, caramelly glaze.

How To Make the Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Produce

Grate zucchini and apples using a box grater. No need to peel either. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In one bowl, whisk together eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla. In a second bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine wet and dry, then fold in the grated zucchini and apple.

Step 3: Bake

Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

Step 4: Cool and Frost

Let the bread cool. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Add milk and boil for a minute. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar. Pour over the cooled loaf.


How to Serve and Store This Apple Zucchini Bread

This loaf feeds about 8 people and is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. For a comforting breakfast, pair it with your morning coffee. As a dessert, it stands strong on its own thanks to the rich frosting.

Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices individually and reheat as needed.


What to Serve With Apple Zucchini Bread?

Cinnamon-Spiced Lattes

The warmth of cinnamon pairs beautifully with this moist loaf.

Greek Yogurt & Honey

Serve a slice with a dollop of creamy yogurt for a tangy balance.

Fresh Berries

Add a bowl of strawberries or raspberries to complement the sweetness.

Soft-Boiled Eggs

For a protein-rich breakfast with something sweet on the side.

Whipped Cream Cheese

Spread a bit on top for a tangy, creamy twist.

Herbal Tea

Chamomile or spiced chai offers a lovely companion.

Apple Cider

A fall classic that enhances the apple notes in the bread.


Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If this Apple Zucchini Bread won your heart, you’ll adore these comforting and unique bakes:

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And if you give it a try, let us know how it turned out. Did you sneak in extra apple? Or maybe a dash of cardamom? We’d love to hear your twist.

For more daily recipe inspiration, check out Nora Nosh on Pinterest and discover new favorites every day!


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Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting is a moist, spiced loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with fresh zucchini and sweet apple, it’s finished with a rich, caramelly frosting that melts right into the top. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast options, easy recipe ideas, or just wholesome food ideas that sneak in veggies, this loaf covers it all. It’s one of those breakfast ideas that feels indulgent yet nourishing, making it a go-to for cozy mornings or simple dinner ideas when you want something sweet to end the meal.


Ingredients

1 cup grated zucchini

1 cup grated apple

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter (for frosting)

1/4 cup brown sugar (for frosting)

2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)


Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini and apple (no need to peel). Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

5. Fold in the grated zucchini and apple.

6. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

9. For the frosting: melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.

10. Add milk and bring to a boil for 1 minute.

11. Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.

12. Pour frosting over the cooled loaf and let set before slicing.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter—fold until just combined for the best texture.

For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or clove to the spice mix.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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