Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 1 cup diced peeled apple (Granny Smith or Fuji)
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze/Frosting:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–3 tbsp orange juice (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8×4-inch loaf pans, then line with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a large kitchen towel, twist the corners, and squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then add the shredded carrots, zucchini, diced apples, and chopped pecans. Stir until fully combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the loaves spring back when gently pressed or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool completely before icing.
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze/Frosting: Cream together the softened cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Drizzle in orange juice to reach the desired frosting consistency.
- Spread the glaze over the cooled bread and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure you squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible to prevent a soggy texture in the bread.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of orange juice added.
- This bread can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
