Name: Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup canola oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups grated carrot; 1 cup grated zucchini; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 1/2 cups regular flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese; 1 cup icing sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that bursts with warm spices and fresh flavors, then ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are about to become your new favorite. These spiced ginger carrot and zucchini bars combine moist, tender cake-like texture with a zesty, creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. Each bite is a delightful mix of comforting autumn flavors and refreshing citrus that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these bars bring a homemade touch that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is easier than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role. The eggs and oil give richness and moisture, the grated carrot and zucchini add natural sweetness and texture, while the warm spices and lemon zest bring that signature flavor contrast that makes these bars so special.

2 eggs, lightly beaten: The binding agent that also adds richness and structure to the bars.
3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
1/2 cup canola oil: Keeps the bars tender and moist without overpowering the flavor.
1/4 cup honey: Natural sweetener that also contributes to the chewy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
1 1/2 cups grated carrot: Adds natural sweetness, color, and a tender bite.
1 cup grated zucchini: Brings moisture and subtle earthiness to balance the sweetness.
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped: Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
1 1/2 cups regular flour: The base that provides structure to the bars.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and stay light.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives the bars a warm, spicy kick that complements the veggies.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with other leavening agents to achieve the perfect texture.
1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese: The star of the frosting, delivering creamy tanginess.
1 cup icing sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and smooth.
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest: Adds a bright, fresh aroma and flavor to the frosting.

How to Make ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to get it ready for baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined. You might notice small clumps of brown sugar, but don’t worry—they’ll dissolve as the mixture rests. Next, gently fold in the grated carrot, zucchini, and chopped walnuts, making sure everything is evenly distributed without deflating the mixture.

Step 2: Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda using a whisk. This step is important because it ensures all the dry ingredients – especially the leavening agents and spices – are uniformly blended, which will give your bars an even texture and flavor.

Step 3: Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking

Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix or your bars could turn out dense. Pour the batter evenly into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan, smoothing the top for an even bake.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for roughly 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this cooling step is essential to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare your luscious lemon cream cheese frosting. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting over the top for an elegant finish. Cut into 36 squares to share or savor yourself!

How to Serve ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

To elevate the look and flavor of your ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, try sprinkling some additional chopped walnuts or a pinch of ground ginger over the frosting. A few thin lemon zest curls can also add a bright, sophisticated touch that hints at the frosting’s fresh citrus character.

Side Dishes

These bars are perfect as a sweet snack alongside a cup of strong black coffee or earthy herbal tea. They also pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert plate everybody will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, consider serving your ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting on a tiered dessert stand for a charming presentation. You can also cut them into smaller, bite-sized squares and serve them on decorative skewers with fresh mint leaves for a fun finger food twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting keeps best when chilled, and the bars will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days—perfect for busy mornings or afternoon treats.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s best to do so before frosting them. Wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then prepare and spread the frosting fresh before serving.

Reheating

Because of the cream cheese frosting, reheating bars with frosting isn’t recommended as it can cause melting and separation. For unfrosted bars, warming them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can bring back that just-baked coziness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would work nicely, adding their own unique crunch and flavor. Just keep the same quantity to maintain the texture balance.

Is it possible to make ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes, substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend is a great option. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help the bars hold together.

How do I get the frosting to be extra fluffy?

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating. Also, beating on medium speed until the frosting is light and airy helps create that perfect fluffy texture.

Can I omit the honey from the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or extra brown sugar, but keep in mind this may subtly change the flavor and moisture content.

What’s the best way to grate carrot and zucchini for these bars?

Using a box grater or food processor with a grating attachment works well. Just squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini with a clean kitchen towel to avoid soggy batter.

Final Thoughts

Ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting combine the best of moist, spiced vegetables with a tangy, sweet finish that will make you smile every time. Easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible, these bars are guaranteed to become a treasured recipe in your kitchen. Go ahead and give them a try—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed a dessert without this perfect balance of flavors and textures!

Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 36 bars 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and packed with fresh grated vegetables and warm spices. Topped with a tangy lemon-infused cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert or snack for sharing with family and friends.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract until combined. Small clumps of brown sugar may remain but will dissolve. Gently fold in the grated carrot, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts.
Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined, taking care not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
Bake and Cool the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare and Apply the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the reduced-fat cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread or pipe the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into 36 bars and serve.

Notes

Ensure the zucchini is grated and lightly squeezed to remove excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with seeds.
You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the spice profile.
Let the bars come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American