Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that's both healthy and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This zucchini applesauce bread is the perfect solution for a satisfying breakfast, a comforting afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert. Packed with moist zucchini and the subtle sweetness of applesauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. It's a fantastic way to use up those extra zucchinis from your garden, making it a truly resourceful and healthy meal option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose for added fiber)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (you can reduce this for a less sweet loaf)
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a healthier option)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This thorough mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough bread.
Step 5: Add Zucchini & Oil: Gently fold in the grated zucchini and oil. If using nuts, add them now as well.
Step 6: Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Applesauce Bread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Grate the zucchini finely: Finely grated zucchini blends better into the batter and prevents large chunks in your bread.
- Use a good quality applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is best, as it avoids an overly sweet loaf.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or spices to customize your bread.
Variations:
- Spiced Zucchini Bread: Add a teaspoon of ginger and a ½ teaspoon of cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Lemon Zucchini Bread: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Enhance your bread with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra delicious treat.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 8-10g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 40-45g Fiber: 2-3g
This recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and homemade treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, this zucchini applesauce bread is a versatile and satisfying addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy!