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Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting

Apple Zucchini Bread with Brown Sugar Frosting is a moist, flavorful loaf that perfectly blends fall spices, tender shredded zucchini, and sweet apples. Topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar frosting, this bread is more like a dessert—and it’s the perfect way to use up your garden zucchini!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeezed dry)
  • 1 cup finely chopped or shredded apple (peeled)
  • For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (more as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Stir in the shredded zucchini and apple until evenly distributed.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then add milk and bring to a simmer.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar until smooth. Let cool slightly, then spread over cooled bread. Allow frosting to set before slicing.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze excess liquid from the zucchini for the best texture.
  • Try using honeycrisp or granny smith apples for great flavor contrast.
  • The frosting sets like a soft glaze—add more powdered sugar for thicker consistency.
  • This bread freezes well (frost after thawing for best results).

Nutrition

Keywords: apple zucchini bread, brown sugar frosting, zucchini quick bread, fall baking recipe, moist zucchini loaf