Description
Delicious and moist zucchini bars topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. These bars combine grated zucchini with warm spices and optional walnuts to create a delightful treat perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Bars
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet zucchini mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out smoothly using a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Remove the baked zucchini bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini before mixing.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor balance.
- Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or light olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x3 inches)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, zucchini dessert, moist zucchini cake, easy zucchini recipe
