Name: Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 large eggs; ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola); ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (110g) finely grated carrot (about 2 medium); 1 cup (110g) grated zucchini, squeezed dry (about 1 medium); 1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about ¾ cup); ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

If you're searching for the ultimate loaf that's bursting with flavor, ridiculously moist, and sneakily packed with veggies, this Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is the very best. Sweet carrots, tart apples, and tender zucchini create a symphony of taste and texture in every bite.

Not only is this bread super easy to make-no mixer needed!-but it's also a delicious way to get some extra fruits and veggies into your day. Every slice is perfectly spiced, lightly sweet, and never dry.

This is the kind of recipe that disappears fast at potlucks, makes the coziest breakfast, and is even great for lunchboxes. It was inspired by my childhood, when my mom would sneak veggies into snacks-and honestly, this one is a family favorite for a reason!

A thick slice of moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread with flecks of orange, green, and apple.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredibly moist and tender crumb that never feels dry
Easy, fuss-free, and perfect for beginner bakers
Naturally sweetened with fruit and packed with hidden veggies
Versatile for breakfast, snack, or even dessert
Freezes beautifully for make-ahead convenience

Key Ingredients for Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Carrots

Carrots add natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to the bread. Make sure to grate them finely by hand or with a food processor for the best texture. Organic carrots are ideal, but any fresh carrots work well here. If you're short on carrots, you can swap in extra zucchini or apple, though the flavor will change slightly.

Zucchini

Zucchini brings an unbeatable moistness and a subtle, earthy flavor that blends beautifully with the other ingredients. Be sure to grate the zucchini and gently squeeze out excess water with a kitchen towel-this keeps the loaf from becoming too wet. Yellow squash can be substituted if you'd like, but expect a slightly different flavor.

Apple

Apple gives the bread a juicy, sweet-tart punch. Choose a crisp, firm variety like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweeter notes. Peel if you prefer a smoother texture or leave the skin on for an extra rustic bite. Pear works as a creative substitute for a twist!

Warm Spices

A cozy combination of cinnamon and nutmeg infuses the loaf with classic, comforting bakery flavor. Feel free to experiment with pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of ginger for a different spin.

Whole Wheat Flour

Using a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour adds a wholesome, nutty flavor and a little extra fiber. If you don't have whole wheat, all all-purpose flour is fine-you'll just lose a bit of that hearty character. Gluten-free flour blends also work well if prepared for baking.

Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread cooking process

Instructions for Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. This creates a sweet, rich base for your loaf.

Fold in Fruits and Veggies

Gently stir the grated carrot, zucchini, and apple into the wet mixture. Make sure to squeeze excess liquid from the zucchini to prevent a soggy loaf.

Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined-don't overmix! If you're adding nuts, fold them in now for extra crunch.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too soon can make it crumbly, so give it a little patience-then dig in!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Simply swap the all-purpose and whole wheat flours for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The loaf will still be moist and flavorful-no one will ever guess!

Go Nut-Free

Skip the nuts completely, or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a safe crunch without allergens. You can also toss in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

Add Extra Spice

Amp up the cozy factor by adding a quarter teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom. A dash of clove or allspice can make this loaf even more aromatic.

Make It Vegan

Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), and use your favorite plant-based oil. The loaf will still bake up beautifully!

Chocolate Chip Surprise

Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent, kid-approved treat. The combination of chocolate with veggies and fruit is always a winner.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a thick slice of Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread slightly warm with a pat of salted butter or a smear of cream cheese. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. It also goes wonderfully alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a well-rounded brunch spread. For a special touch, sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon sugar before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge. For longer-term storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently reheat as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store at room temperature or freeze for later.

Q: Do I need to peel the zucchini and apple?

A: Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra color and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother loaf, peel away!

Q: Why is my bread too moist or dense?

A: Be sure to squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini and apple, and measure your flour correctly. Overmixing can also make the bread dense.

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen for this wholesome, irresistibly moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread! It's one of those recipes you'll want to make again and again. If you give it a try, please leave a comment or rating-I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe