If you love the cozy flavors of fall and the delightful combination of sweet and moist textures in your baked goods, then this Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine tender zucchini bread infused with the rich warmth of apple butter, spiced cinnamon swirls, and a touch of maple-sweetened cinnamon butter on top. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, bringing together simple ingredients into a loaf that tastes like a hug in bread form. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a special occasion, this Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking the perfect loaf, and luckily, this Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe uses straightforward staples that each play a key role in flavor, texture, and moisture. From the richness of melted butter to the subtle tang of Greek yogurt, every ingredient contributes to that perfect balance which makes this bread stand out.
- Salted butter, melted: Provides moisture and a rich buttery flavor essential to the bread’s texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds warmth and sweetness, complementing both the apple butter and zucchini.
- Apple butter: Brings in natural fruit sweetness and a lovely spiced apple essence that defines this recipe.
- Plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature: Keeps the bread moist while adding a slight tang to balance sweetness.
- Eggs, at room temperature: Help bind the ingredients together and add to the bread’s fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle floral note.
- Grated zucchini: Adds moisture and a gentle earthiness, sneaking in some veggie goodness.
- Whole wheat or all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the loaf, with whole wheat adding a nutty depth.
- Baking powder: Leavens the bread for a tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Dark brown sugar (for swirl): Creates a sweet, caramel-like cinnamon swirl that’s irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (for swirl): Gives the swirl mix just enough body for texture.
- Cinnamon (for swirl): Invokes cozy spice, perfectly paired with the apple and zucchini.
- Salted butter, melted (for swirl): Adds richness to the cinnamon swirl, making it luscious and gooey.
- Salted butter, at room temperature (for cinnamon butter): Forms the creamy base of the cinnamon butter topping.
- Maple syrup or honey (for cinnamon butter): Sweetens the cinnamon butter naturally with a hint of depth.
- Cinnamon (for cinnamon butter): Gives the butter that warm spice kick.
- Vanilla extract (for cinnamon butter): Rounds out the flavor with a fragrant finish.
- Pinch of sea salt (for cinnamon butter): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
How to Make Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start off right by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch bread pan with parchment paper — this makes sure your loaf releases easily and keeps the edges nice and soft. A little prep here saves you from any baking mishaps later.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well mixed. Stir in the grated zucchini so that each bite benefits from that perfect moisture and subtle freshness the zucchini brings.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so keep it light and airy by folding the ingredients together with care.
Step 4: Pour Batter and Create Swirls
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. For those delightful cinnamon and apple butter ribbons, swirl 2-3 tablespoons of apple butter through the batter using a knife or skewer, leaving beautiful streaks that bake into bursts of flavor.
Step 5: Prepare and Sprinkle the Cinnamon Swirl Topping
Mix together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until crumbly. Scatter these clumpy bits evenly over the top of the batter. This topping bakes into a sweet, spicy crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft bread beneath.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Set
Bake in your preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures your Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe stays tender and not dry.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Butter
While the bread cools a bit, whisk together the room temperature butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt for a luscious cinnamon butter spread. This little finishing touch takes the bread from delightful to truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe experience, try sprinkling a few toasted chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey adds additional sweetness while keeping things visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. For a heartier snack, serve alongside a bowl of creamy soup or a fresh fruit salad to balance the rich flavors of the loaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and top with a spread of the homemade cinnamon butter and thin apple slices for a charming brunch platter. You can also toast slices and serve with ricotta cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup for a gourmet twist everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to preserve its moisture and freshness. Stored at room temperature, it stays delicious for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute guests.
Freezing
This zucchini bread freezes beautifully. Slice it beforehand for easy toaster-ready pieces, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to three months, so you can enjoy whenever you want without baking from scratch.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm them in a toaster or oven for a few minutes. Add a dollop of cinnamon butter on top while still warm for an irresistible treat that tastes freshly baked every time.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat in the Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture. Whole wheat will give the bread a heartier, nuttier flavor, but both options yield delicious bread.
What kind of apple butter works best in this recipe?
Choose a smooth, well-spiced apple butter that’s not overly sweet. Homemade or high-quality store-bought varieties are ideal because they provide depth and warm apple flavor that really shines through.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or buttermilk can be great alternatives. They offer similar moisture and slight tanginess that keep the bread tender and flavorful.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf after about 60 minutes. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfect. If batter sticks, give it another 5 to 10 minutes and test again.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based yogurt alternative to keep the bread moist and just as tasty without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Zucchini Bread Recipe is more than just a baked good; it’s a comforting, flavorful moment you create for yourself and those you care about. From the moist zucchini to the warm apple butter swirls and that dreamy cinnamon butter topping, every bite invites you to slow down and savor something truly special. I encourage you to try this recipe, gather your ingredients, and make your kitchen smell like the best kind of home. Once you do, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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 Apple Butter Zucchini Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that combines the fresh earthiness of grated zucchini with the sweet, spiced notes of apple butter. Enhanced with whole wheat flour for added texture and nutrition, it features a cinnamon-sugar swirl and is served best warm with a homemade cinnamon butter spread. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this quick bread offers a delightful twist on a classic zucchini bread recipe.
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 1 stick salted butter, melted (113g)
- ½ cup brown sugar (100g)
- ¼ cup apple butter (60g)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature (120g)
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15ml)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, 124g)
- 1 ¾ cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour (220g)
- 3 tsp baking powder (12g)
- 1 tsp salt (5g)
Cinnamon-Apple Butter Swirl
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar (50g)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (8g)
- 2 tsp cinnamon (5g)
- 1 tbsp salted butter, melted (14g)
Cinnamon Butter Spread
- 1 stick salted butter, at room temperature (113g)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (60ml)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (2.5ml)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (2.5g)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch bread pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the grated zucchini to evenly distribute it through the wet mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add the whole wheat or all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare the batter in the pan: Pour the batter into the lined bread pan. For added flavor and appearance, optionally swirl in 2-3 tablespoons of apple butter throughout the batter by gently dragging a knife through it to create streaks.
- Add cinnamon sugar swirl: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, dark brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the swirl topping. Crumble this mixture into clumps and scatter evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Bake the bread: Place the bread pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare cinnamon butter spread: While the bread is baking, beat together the room temperature butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until creamy and smooth for a delicious spread.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the zucchini bread to cool slightly in the pan before removing. Serve warm slices with a generous smear of the cinnamon butter spread for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Grating the zucchini finely helps it incorporate well into the batter without adding excess moisture.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, fiber-rich bread.
- Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature to help create a uniform batter texture.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter and yogurt alternative.
