This Zucchini Carrot Bread is the perfect way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while enjoying a delicious, moist, and slightly sweet loaf. Packed with grated zucchini and carrots, flavored with warm cinnamon, and topped with optional dark chocolate chips and oats, this bread is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert. Plus, the addition of Greek yogurt and applesauce keeps the bread moist without the need for excessive oil or butter.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, plus ¼ cup for topping (optional)
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats for topping (optional)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, grated (about 1 cup)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Grate the Vegetables
- Grate the zucchini and carrot using a box grater or food processor. Squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Set both grated vegetables aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, unsweetened applesauce, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
Step 5: Blend Together the Liquid and Solid Components
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the bread from becoming dense.
- Fold in the grated zucchini, carrot, and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Transfer the Batter to the Loaf Pan
- Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack before cutting into slices.
- If desired, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips and old-fashioned oats on top for added texture and flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Carrot Bread is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the natural sweetness of the carrots, the moisture from the zucchini, and the subtle warmth of cinnamon. The optional dark chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence, while the oats provide a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or a healthy dessert, this bread is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!