Carrot Zucchini Bread is a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of vegetables in a sweet, moist loaf. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots and zucchini with warm spices, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The addition of cream cheese walnut frosting elevates this bread to a whole new level of indulgence.
Enough talk, let’s get cooking…
You will need
Ingredients for Carrot Zucchini Bread
To create this delicious bread, gather the following ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- ½ cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Walnut Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Make Carrot Zucchini Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Loaf Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and brown sugar until well combined. Gradually add in the vegetable oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Grated Vegetables
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and shredded carrot into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make Cream Cheese Walnut Frosting
Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavorings
Gradually add in the powdered sugar while continuing to mix. Then add milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Fold in Walnuts (Optional)
If desired, fold in chopped walnuts for added texture.
Tips for Perfect Carrot Zucchini Bread
- Grate Vegetables Finely: Use a box grater or food processor to finely grate your zucchini and carrot. This ensures they blend well into the batter without adding too much moisture.
- Remove Excess Moisture: After grating zucchini, blot it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
Variations of Carrot Zucchini Bread
You can customize this recipe in several ways:
- Add Spices: Incorporate additional spices like allspice or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Dried Fruits: Consider adding raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Carrot Zucchini Bread is a deliciously moist loaf that combines healthy vegetables with warm spices and sweet flavors. Topped with creamy walnut frosting, it makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe today and savor every bite!
