ππ₯π Apple Zucchini Pecan Bread: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors! ππ₯π
History:
Apple Zucchini Pecan Bread is a delightful and nutritious baked treat that combines the flavors of apples, zucchini, and pecans. While there isn’t a specific documented history for this particular recipe, it’s part of a long tradition of incorporating seasonal ingredients into baked goods to create delicious and moist bread.
Components:
- π Apples: You’ll need 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped.
- π₯ Zucchini: Use 1 medium-sized zucchini, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture.
- π° Pecans: Prepare 1/2 cup of pecans, chopped and toasted for added flavor and crunch.
- π₯ Eggs: You’ll need 2 large eggs for binding the ingredients.
- π― Sweeteners: Use 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar for sweetness.
- π Oil: 1/2 cup of vegetable oil keeps the bread moist.
- π§ Spices: A teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- π Dry Ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- π₯ Buttermilk: 1/4 cup for moisture and tenderness.
- π― Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for flavor enhancement.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Incorporate Apples and Zucchini: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold in the chopped apples, grated zucchini, and toasted pecans. Mix until just combined.
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Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once completely cooled, slice your Apple Zucchini Pecan Bread into thick, delightful slices. You can enjoy it as is or spread with a bit of butter for an extra indulgence.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: About 20-30 minutes
- Baking Time: Approximately 60-70 minutes
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
This Apple Zucchini Pecan Bread is a perfect combination of fruity, nutty, and spiced flavors. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to sneak some veggies into your diet. Enjoy! ππ₯ππ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple Zucchini Pecan Bread per serving (based on a typical serving size of 1 slice, assuming the bread is sliced into 12 equal pieces):
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories
- Total Fat: About 11 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1.5 grams
- Trans Fat: Negligible
- Cholesterol: Around 30 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 220 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: About 36 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1.5 grams
- Sugars: Around 21 grams
- Protein: Approximately 3 grams
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: About 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: Approximately 2% of the DV
- Calcium: Around 2% of the DV
- Iron: About 4% of the DV
Health Information:
- Apple Zucchini Pecan Bread is a source of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
- The bread contains healthy fats from pecans and vegetable oil.
- It provides a modest amount of vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health.
- The bread is relatively low in cholesterol and sodium, which can be beneficial for heart health.
- However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and added sugars, as the bread does contain sugar from the apples and added sugars in the recipe.
As with any food, moderation is key. While this bread can be a delicious and nutritious treat, it’s important to balance it with a variety of other foods to meet your overall dietary needs.
