Spiced Carrot, Apple, and Zucchini Bread with a Cream Cheese Drizzle

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This Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread is a delightful and moist quick bread that combines the natural sweetness of carrots, apples, and zucchini with warm spices and a nutty crunch from pecans. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack. The blend of flavors and textures makes this a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini
  • 1 cup diced peeled apple (Granny Smith, Fuji, or your preferred variety)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-3 tablespoons orange juice, as needed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Incorporate the eggs one by one, ensuring each is thoroughly mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the fresh orange juice and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in the Vegetables and Fruit: Gently fold in the shredded carrots, shredded zucchini, diced apple, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Bake the Bread: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Bread: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Add the orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
  9. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of the loaves.

Conclusion:

This Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of fruits and vegetables with warm spices. The tangy cream cheese glaze adds a luscious finish, making it a standout addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a delightful dessert!

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