Streusel Apple Zucchini Bread

Published on: December 18, 2025

Freshly baked streusel apple zucchini bread on a cooling rack

Streusel Apple Zucchini Bread is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the heart with every bite. Picture a golden-brown loaf crowned with a crunchy streusel topping, inviting you in with its sweet, cinnamon-spiced aroma. The moist interior is bursting with tender apples and flecks of green zucchini, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and earthiness. This recipe is special not only for its seasonal ingredients but also for its simplicity, making it the perfect treat for cozy afternoons or gatherings with loved ones.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Streusel Apple Zucchini Bread is perfect for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to holiday feasts. It’s versatile enough to serve as a comforting breakfast, a midday snack, or a delightful dessert. The combination of flavors is genuinely comforting, showcasing the best of seasonal produce. Plus, with simple ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up, allowing you to focus on enjoying delicious moments instead of laboring in the kitchen.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

Embracing the beauty of the harvest season, this recipe features vibrant zucchini and juicy apples, both bursting with fresh flavor. The zucchini adds a subtle moisture, creating a tender crumb, while the apples bring a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spices. The warm notes of cinnamon and brown sugar waft through the air as the bread bakes, making your kitchen a cozy haven. Choosing local produce not only enhances flavor but also supports sustainability, bringing freshness right to your table.

What You’ll Need

2 cups grated zucchini – For moisture and subtle flavor
1 cup peeled and diced apples – Adds sweetness and texture
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for your delicious bread
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness for the batter
1/2 cup brown sugar – For a deep, rich flavor
1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the bread moist
3 large eggs – Essential for binding
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint of sweetness
1 teaspoon baking soda – For leavening
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Warmth and spice
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) – Adds crunch and texture
1/2 cup rolled oats – For the streusel topping
1/4 cup butter, melted – Binding for the streusel
1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping) – Extra sweetness for the crunch
1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping) – Enhances the streusel flavor

Substitutions include applesauce for oil, gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. Ensuring the pan is well-greased will help the bread release easily once baked.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined, and enjoy the freshly grated zucchini’s light aroma.

3. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, giving the bread consistent flavor throughout.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, gently fold in chopped nuts for added texture.

5. Pour into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. The batter should be thick but spreadable, with a lovely speckled look from the zucchini and apples.

6. Prepare the Streusel Topping

For the streusel topping, mix together rolled oats, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture should be crumbly and ready to add a delicious crunch.

7. Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the batter in the loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with enticing scents!

8. Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, it’s time to slice and enjoy the moist, tender loaf.

Essential Tools

Loaf Pan – Non-stick or greased for easy removal
Mixing Bowls – Large and medium for combining ingredients
Whisk – For mixing dry ingredients thoroughly
Spatula – For folding and spreading batter
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements
Cooling Rack – Essential for proper cooling

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

To enjoy this bread for days, cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer preservation, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw slices as needed, perfect for a quick treat!

Perfect Pairings

Pair slices of Streusel Apple Zucchini Bread with a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing the cozy flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry

If you find your batter too dry, add a splash of milk to achieve a more pliable consistency.

Unevenly Shaped Loaf

Make sure to use a level loaf pan and properly spread the batter evenly.

Overbaking

Check for doneness a few minutes early, as all ovens vary. A toothpick should come out clean but moist.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use freshly grated zucchini for the best moisture and flavor.
Allow the bread to rest fully before slicing to maintain a tender crumb.
For an extra treat, add in chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries for flavor twists.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment by adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a robust flavor. Swap in walnuts or pecans for the nuts, or try using different fruits like pears or carrots. You could even make mini loaves or muffins for portion control and sharing.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a vegan option, use flax eggs and plant-based milk instead of regular eggs and dairy. Always check for allergens in your ingredients and consider substitutes to accommodate various dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen zucchini in this recipe?
Yes, thaw and drain any excess water from frozen zucchini before using it in the recipe.

2. How do I store the bread?
Cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days.

3. Can I omit the nuts?
Absolutely! The bread will still be delicious without nuts, or feel free to replace them with seeds for crunch.

4. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar, though the sweetness and flavor will differ slightly.

5. How can I make this bread dairy-free?
Simply replace the butter in the streusel topping with a non-dairy option, such as coconut oil or vegan butter.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Ready to fill your kitchen with the delicious aroma of Streusel Apple Zucchini Bread? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your baking adventures and tag us in your photos. For more scrumptious recipes, check out our collection of seasonal delights!