Apple Sauce Zucchini Bread Recipe Ingredients and Directions
Ever wondered if you could get your daily dose of veggies from a slice of bread? Well, look no further than the homemade applesauce zucchini bread recipe. This tasty quick bread packs in shredded zucchini, applesauce, and warm spices for a treat that’s as healthy as it is delicious. You’re going to love how the sweetness of the applesauce pairs with the earthy zucchini and cinnamon. Each bite of this moist, tender bread is bursting with flavor. And the best part is you can feel good about enjoying this snack or dessert, because it’s chock full of nutrients. Between the zucchini, applesauce, eggs, and olive oil, every slice is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats to give you energy to power through your day. If you’re looking for a simple way to eat more veggies and fruit, this applesauce zucchini bread is for you. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
Health Benefits of Applesauce in Baking
To make this delicious apple sauce zucchini bread, you’ll need some simple ingredients.
Dry Ingredients
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups shredded zucchini
Optional Add-Ins
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
To make the bread:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, oil and vanilla.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the zucchini and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow bread to cool completely before slicing and enjoying! This zucchini bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Why Zucchini Makes This Bread Recipe Extra Nutritious
Applesauce adds moisture, natural sweetness, and health benefits to zucchini bread. Here are some of the main reasons why using applesauce in place of oil is so good for you:
Applesauce contains no cholesterol and is low in saturated fat. By substituting applesauce for oil, you slash the amount of fat in the recipe by up to half. This significantly reduces calories and creates a lighter, fluffier texture.
Applesauce is loaded with fiber which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full. The pectin found in applesauce may help lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Pectin is a type of fiber that forms a gel-like substance in the intestines, which helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Applesauce contains several important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, supporting your immune system and skin health. B vitamins help break down carbohydrates and metabolize fat and protein. Potassium helps maintain blood pressure and heart health.
Using applesauce in place of oil is an easy way to make your zucchini bread recipe healthier without sacrificing taste or texture. Your body and waistline will thank you for this simple, nutritious swap. Enjoy your delicious apple sauce zucchini bread!
