Description
Indulge in these incredibly moist zucchini bars topped with a rich caramel frosting. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are a delicious way to enjoy the abundance of summer zucchinis.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (do not peel)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Dash of cloves for extra spice (optional)
For the Caramel Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini – Wash the zucchini and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Lightly blot with paper towels to remove excess water but don’t squeeze it dry—the moisture is key.
- Make the batter – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, both sugars, oil, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Fold in the zucchini (and any optional mix-ins).
- Bake the bars – Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bars in the pan.
- Make the caramel frosting – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in milk. Cool slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the bars – Spread the caramel frosting over cooled bars. For a softer glaze, frost while the bars are still slightly warm. Let the frosting set before slicing.
Notes
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize the frosting with your favorite nuts or additional spices for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Zucchini Bars, Caramel Frosting, Dessert Recipe
