Description
These zucchini bars are soft, moist, and packed with flavor, thanks to warm spices and fresh zucchini. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect dessert or sweet snack for summer or fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 10×15” sheet pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare zucchini: Grate and squeeze zucchini to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, melted oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Fold in the zucchini.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until center is set and toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Frost: Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Chill to set, or serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure zucchini is well-drained to avoid soggy bars.
- Optional: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
- These bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg