If there’s one recipe that feels like an autumn embrace, it’s the Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg swirling with sweet apples and tender zucchini — a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and packed with goodness in every slice. Whether you’re baking for a lazy weekend breakfast or a laid-back coffee date, this bread is guaranteed to warm your kitchen and your heart. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of spice, subtle veggie sweetness, and crumbly texture that makes it a perennial favorite for sharing (or savoring solo with a mug of tea).

Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread is simple, and each plays a unique role in creating a loaf that’s irresistibly soft, tender, and full of cozy flavors. These pantry staples and fresh touches come together to make magic happen in your oven.

All-purpose flour: This forms the soft, sturdy base, giving a classic crumb while letting the spices and mix-ins shine.
Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo that lifts your loaf so it turns out perfectly fluffy and not dense at all.
Salt: Just a touch heightens all the other flavors, making everything pop.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These warming spices are the soul of the bread, adding a delicious autumnal depth in every bite.
Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil): Keeps your bread extra moist, with coconut oil adding a delicate richness if you choose it.
Brown sugar & granulated sugar: The brown sugar introduces warmth while white sugar sweetens just right and helps create a gorgeous golden crust.
Eggs: These bind everything together and add moisture for a truly soft loaf.
Unsweetened applesauce (or sour cream/Greek yogurt): Applesauce keeps it light and tender — or swap in yogurt for a little tang!
Pure vanilla extract: Brings out the natural sweetness of the apples and zucchini while giving extra cozy flavor.
Shredded zucchini: The secret to moist, plush bread — no need to blot, just shred and mix in for added nutrition and texture.
Optional add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins): These provide fun pops of flavor or crunch, so go wild and customize each loaf!

How to Make Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, making sure to cover every corner so your bread will release beautifully later. If you’re planning on muffins instead, you can use this same batter — just line a muffin tin and reduce baking time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it looks evenly speckled with spice. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures even baking and that every bite gets just the right hint of spice.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Zucchini

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, applesauce (or your alternative), and vanilla extract until everything’s blended and glossy. Gently fold in the shredded zucchini at this point, marveling at how the ribbons blend into the mixture and promise moisture in every bite.

Step 4: Combine and Add Extras

Pour your wet ingredients over the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or whisk, stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix, or your bread may come out dry. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to fold in chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or juicy raisins for a personalized twist.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the thick, dreamy batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 70 minutes, covering loosely with foil halfway through to keep it from browning too much. Keep a close eye as you reach the 55-minute mark — you’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean. Let the loaf cool for an hour in the pan on a wire rack, then lift it out to finish cooling completely (if you can wait!).

How to Serve Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

Dusting your Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze adds a lovely touch of sweetness and flair. For an extra bakery-style vibe, top your slices with toasted pecans or walnuts — they give great crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with almost anything for brunch or snack time! Try serving it alongside a fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or a mug of spiced chai for those true fall flavors. If you’re making it for a gathering, a cheese plate nearby makes for a sophisticated, savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your loaf thick and serve on a rustic wooden board, or cube it for a brunch buffet. For an unexpected treat, turn slices into French toast or use them as the base for a decadent bread pudding. Gift wrapped in parchment and twine, Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread also makes a thoughtful homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for three to four days. Its moist crumb actually gets better after a day or two, making it ideal for meal prep or grabbing a quick treat on the way out the door.

Freezing

This bread is fantastic for freezing! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap the loaf — or individual slices — in plastic and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw overnight at room temperature for freshly-baked flavor any time.

Reheating

To bring slices back to life, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. If you love a little crunch, toast them up and slather with butter or nut butter for an irresistible morning treat.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can swap in whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour for a slightly nuttier, heartier twist. If you swap it all, the loaf will be more dense, so consider using a lighter hand when mixing.

Do I have to peel the zucchini first?

No peeling required! Just wash and shred the zucchini. The peel adds a pretty green tint and blends right into the bread without affecting texture or taste.

What if I want to make Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread as muffins?

Absolutely — this recipe makes wonderful muffins. Just line a muffin tin, fill each about three-quarters full, and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet loaf?

For a lightly sweet version, you can reduce each sugar by a few tablespoons. Just keep in mind that sugar also affects texture and browning, so the bread may be a little less golden and slightly less moist.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

You can try swapping the eggs for flax eggs and use coconut oil and plant-based yogurt. The bread should still come out wonderfully moist, though the texture may change slightly. Let me know how it turns out if you experiment!

Final Thoughts

Baking a loaf of Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread is like bottling up a season of comfort. The process is simple, the results are stunning, and the flavors will leave everyone reaching for just one more slice. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with that unmistakable, joyful aroma — this bread might just become one of your new favorite treats to bake and share.

Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cozy Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread is a delightful combination of warm spices, tender zucchini, and sweet applesauce, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla. Add in the zucchini.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.
Bake: Spread the batter in the loaf pan and bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Cool before slicing.
Storage: Store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.