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carrot apple zucchini bread

Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread

This moist Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread combines garden-fresh produce with warm spices and a luscious orange cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2 loaves

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • 2 9×5-inch Loaf Pans
  • Grater
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients
  

For the Bread

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 1/4 cup orange juice fresh squeezed preferred
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini gently squeezed
  • 1 cup diced apple Granny Smith preferred
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional

For the Orange Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons orange juice to desired consistency

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Line with parchment for easy removal.
  • Shred carrots and zucchini, dice the apple. Gently squeeze excess moisture from zucchini if needed.
  • In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in orange juice and vanilla.
  • In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in carrots, zucchini, apples, and pecans (if using) until evenly distributed.
  • Divide batter into prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 50–60 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans 15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, then add orange juice gradually until pourable.
  • Drizzle glaze over cooled loaves and allow to set 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Toast pecans for more flavor. Don’t squeeze zucchini dry — just gently blot. For muffins, reduce bake time to 20–25 mins.
Keyword apple bread, carrot bread, cream cheese glaze, quick bread, zucchini bread