Few things bring more comfort to a kitchen than the aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with the subtle sweetness of fresh apples and zucchini. That’s exactly what you get with Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread – a moist, fragrant loaf bursting with warm spices, tender fruit, and veggies. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but every bite tells the story of autumn mornings, comforting snacks, and home-baked love. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite way to use up garden zucchini and apples.

Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread has a reason for being here, working in harmony to achieve that irresistible flavor and texture. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh produce picks, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a loaf (or two) that’s perfectly spiced, lightly sweet, and tender every time.

White sugar: Gives the bread a light, sweet flavor and helps with browning the crust.

Brown sugar: Adds extra moisture and a lovely caramel depth that pairs beautifully with spices.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness, binding all the other ingredients together.

Canola oil: Keeps the loaf super moist without overwhelming the flavor; vegetable oil also works.
Vanilla essence: Enhances the warmth of the spices and rounds out all the flavors.

Plain flour: The foundation of the bread’s structure—regular all-purpose flour is perfect here.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy and light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors, never to be skipped!

Ground cinnamon: Infuses the loaf with signature cozy, spicy notes everyone loves.
Ground nutmeg: Just a hint adds depth and a classic autumnal flavor.
Grated zucchini: Makes the bread moist and tender while sneaking in a veggie serving.

Diced apple: The juicy apple pockets add texture and a wonderful natural sweetness.

How to Make Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is getting toasty, take a moment to grease two standard loaf pans—this crucial step ensures that your Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread slips effortlessly from the pans once baked. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle your loaves out after all your hard work!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, canola oil, and vanilla essence. Keep whisking until the mixture is light and airy. This is your best chance to introduce some lift and tenderness to your future loaves—the better you blend now, the fluffier your bread will be.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate, smaller bowl and sift in your plain flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting isn’t just to avoid lumps; it actually mixes all your leavening agents and spices evenly. This way, every slice of Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread is perfectly spiced and rises like a dream.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Carefully add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make your bread less tender. Fewer stirs, moister bread: that’s the golden rule for every cozy, homemade loaf!

Step 5: Add Zucchini and Apple

Now for the stars! Fold in those generous cups of grated zucchini and the small diced apple. Fold gently, ensuring even distribution without deflating your batter. You’ll notice the batter becoming beautifully textured—the apples and zucchini give the bread incredible moisture and little bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Fill Pans and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared loaf pans and spread the tops out smoothly. Pop them in your oven and bake for 35 minutes. Then, cover both pans loosely with foil to keep the tops from over-browning, and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes. You’ll know your Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

How to Serve Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

A thick, warm slice of Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread is delightful on its own, but you can dress it up with a pat of softened butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of honey. For a special touch, try a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted walnuts!

Side Dishes

Pair your freshly baked bread with a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or a tall glass of cold milk for a truly satisfying snack. If you’re serving it at a brunch or gathering, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad make a refreshing complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, bake the batter in mini loaf pans or muffin tins for personal servings. You can also gift a wrapped loaf (tied with twine and a handwritten tag!) for a thoughtful homemade present that shares the spirit of Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to three days—if it lasts that long! For even longer life, store in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the loaves (or slices) in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and stash in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter when you’re ready for a little taste of cozy any time of year.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or toast gently in your oven. Warm bread pairs perfectly with a smear of butter or your favorite spread; it’s like a fresh-baked hug!

FAQs

Can I make Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the plain flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The results are just as moist and flavorful; just check that your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

Do I need to peel the zucchini and apples?

For zucchini, there’s no need to peel—the skin is tender and practically disappears in the bread. For apples, peeling is optional; leaving the skin on adds a pop of color and a bit more fiber, but feel free to peel if you prefer a smoother texture.

Why cover the loaves with foil halfway through baking?

Covering the loaves prevents the tops from getting too dark while the center finishes baking. It ensures that your Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread comes out golden, moist, and never burnt!

Can I use other types of oil or sugars?

Definitely! You can swap canola oil for another neutral oil (like vegetable or sunflower), and feel free to use coconut sugar or all white sugar if that’s what you have on hand. The bread is very forgiving and still turns out delicious.

What apples are best to use in this bread?

Any crisp, tart-sweet apple such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works beautifully. Dice them small so they cook through and blend perfectly into every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an inviting bake that fills your kitchen with the scents of fall and offers a tender, flavorful crumb, Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread is your answer. Give it a try and you’ll soon find it joining your list of comfort food favorites—perfect for sharing or savoring with a cup of something warm.

Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread combines the sweetness of apples with the moistness of zucchini, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a delightful treat.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 2 standard loaf pans.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until airy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Apple
Fold in zucchini and apple gently.
Step 6: Fill Pans and Bake
Divide batter into pans, bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for 20-25 more minutes.

Notes

You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.

Store the bread in an airtight container for freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 20g

Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g

Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Apple Zucchini Bread, Spiced Bread Recipe, Homemade Baking, Fall Baking