If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the moist tenderness of grated zucchini with the deep, spiced sweetness of apple butter, this bread feels cozy and special all at once. Every bite brings a lovely balance of flavors and textures that comfort the soul and satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether it’s for an afternoon snack, breakfast companion, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to delights in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role: some bring moisture, others add richness, and a few add that familiar warmth and spice we crave in a good zucchini bread.
- Salted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the bread tender and flavorful.
- Brown sugar: Provides deep, caramel notes and a little extra moisture.
- Apple butter: The star ingredient that infuses the bread with sweet apple flavor and lovely spice.
- Plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature: Ensures a moist crumb while lending a subtle tanginess.
- Eggs, at room temperature: Bind everything together and help the bread rise perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet, fragrant touch.
- Grated zucchini: Adds natural moisture and a fresh green color without overwhelming with vegetable taste.
- Whole wheat or all-purpose flour: Forms the structure, with whole wheat adding a hearty nuttiness.
- Baking powder: Provides that essential lift for a light texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens flavor.
- Dark brown sugar (for swirl): Intensifies the cinnamon swirl flavor, creating pockets of sweetness and spice.
- All-purpose flour (for swirl): Helps hold the cinnamon swirl together.
- Cinnamon (for swirl): Gives warm, fragrant spice throughout the bread.
- Salted butter, melted (for swirl): Adds richness and moisture to the cinnamon topping.
- Salted butter (for cinnamon butter): Used to make a luscious spread to serve with the bread.
- Maple syrup or honey (for cinnamon butter): Sweetens the cinnamon butter naturally.
- Vanilla extract (for cinnamon butter): Lends a smooth, aromatic depth to the topping.
- Cinnamon (for cinnamon butter): Brings a warm spice that complements the bread perfectly.
- Pinch of sea salt (for cinnamon butter): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
How to Make Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×5 inch bread pan with parchment paper. This ensures your bread won’t stick and makes for easy removal later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Then fold in the shredded zucchini. This mixture is already smelling like fall and feels so light and luscious!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute everything. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bread tender and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Batter to the Pan
Pour your batter into the prepared bread pan. For a special touch, swirl in 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple butter throughout the batter to create sweet, sticky pockets that surprise your taste buds with each slice.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix together melted butter, dark brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until clumpy and crumbly. Scatter these little clusters over the top of the batter; they will bake into warm, flavorful pockets that add wonderful texture and spice.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Butter
While the bread cools slightly, whip together softened butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. This sweet and spiced cinnamon butter is pure magic served alongside warm slices.
How to Serve Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few toasted pecans on top before serving. Fresh apple slices on the side also add a beautiful, crisp contrast.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. It also holds its own alongside creamy soups or a simple spread of cream cheese for an even richer breakfast or snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning brunch or gift, slice the bread thickly and stack with cinnamon butter between layers, then plate with apple chutney or a drizzle of maple syrup. Wrapping a loaf in a linen towel with a cinnamon stick tied on makes for a charming homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap your Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 3 to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds until soft and cozy. Spread with cinnamon butter for an indulgent treat every time.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can swap in regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt helps make the bread extra moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?
No need to peel—keeping the skin adds nice color and nutrients without altering the texture.
Can I make this Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free for a safe and tasty alternative.
Is it important to use room temperature eggs and yogurt?
Yes, room temperature ingredients help create a smoother batter and better rise during baking for a lighter final texture.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should also be golden and spring back lightly when pressed.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe is such a heartwarming treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying solo with a cozy cup of tea. Its blend of sweet apple butter, moist zucchini, and cinnamon spice makes every bite feel like a hug. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Apple Butter Zucchini Bread combines the natural sweetness of apple butter and zucchini with warm cinnamon spices. It features a tender crumb enhanced by Greek yogurt and a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl on top, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick salted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple butter
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Swirl Topping
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp salted butter, melted
Cinnamon Butter (for serving)
- 1 stick salted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch bread pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the grated zucchini to incorporate evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender bread.
- Pour Batter and Add Apple Butter Swirl: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. If you like, swirl in 2-3 tablespoons of additional apple butter across the batter to create streaks that add flavor and visual appeal.
- Prepare Swirl Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, dark brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, mixing until crumbly. Distribute the clumps evenly over the batter surface to form the cinnamon sugar swirl topping.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Make Cinnamon Butter: While the bread bakes, beat together the room temperature butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt in a bowl to make a smooth cinnamon butter spread.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm slices spread with the homemade cinnamon butter for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Grate the zucchini finely and squeeze out some excess moisture if it’s very watery to prevent a soggy bread.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
- The apple butter swirl is optional but adds extra flavor bursts inside the bread.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
