Apple and Carrot Zucchini Bread

This bread is an amazing work of art. It is really pretty to look at, it tastes phenomenal and it is actually pretty easy to make. 

Obviously, it is considered on the healthy side due to the zucchini, carrots and apples. I say it is at least healthier than most candies, am I right? The flavor of all the ingredients together just works magically.

At the end of the growing season, I usually have too much zucchini, so yeah, I end up making zucchini everything, just to use it. My friends and mail service, gas service and anyone else I see usually receives a loaf or two of zucchini bread.

Well maybe not everybody, but many of those that I know. I also take it to work to share and send it to hubby’s work for a treat for all the employees.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this bread can be frozen. You could place it in an airtight container or wrap it with plastic wrap and foil and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

            Can I leave the glaze or frosting off?

The glaze or frosting is not mandatory, but it sure adds a touch of sweetness to it.

            The recipe calls for pecans, are they needed?

They are not needed, I add them to give the bread a slight crunch to mix in with all the flavors.

What do you need to make Apple and Carrot Zucchini Bread

            ½ cup chopped pecans

            1 cup diced apple chunks

            1 cup shredded zucchini

            2 cups shredded carrots

            1 cup melted butter, unsalted

            2 cups granulated sugar

            3 eggs at room temperature

            ¼ cup fresh orange juice

            1 tbsp vanilla extract

            ½ tsp salt

            2 ½ tsp baking powder

            ¾ tsp baking soda

            1 tsp cinnamon

            ⅛ tsp cloves

            ⅛ tsp nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting:

            ½ cup softened cream cheese

            ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

            1 to 3 tbsp Orange juice, to desired consistency

            2 to 3 cups Confectioners sugar

How to make Apple and Carrot Zucchini Bread

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Grease and line two loaf pans with parchment paper

Squeeze the liquid from the zucchini using a towel.

SECOND STEP:

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the bread and whisk together

a)

b)

c)

THIRD STEP:

In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and the sugar

Add in the orange juice, the vanilla and the eggs. Beat until combined.

Add in the dry ingredients, a small amount at a time and combine until mixed

Fold in the apples, zucchini, pecans and carrots

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

FOURTH STEP:

Pour into the prepared pans

a)

b)

FIFTH STEP:

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean

Set to the side and let cool

SIXTH STEP:

In a medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese, the butter, orange juice and beat until fluffy

Slowly mix in the Confectioners sugar and beat well to desired consistency

When the bread is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the bread liberally

a)

b)

c)

YAY!

YUM!

Enjoy!

YUM!