Name: The Best Zucchini Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups shredded zucchini; 1 small carrot, shredded; 3/4 cup rolled oats; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature; 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s both delightfully moist and packed with wholesome goodness, look no further than The Best Zucchini Bars. This recipe transforms humble zucchini and carrot into a luscious, tender bar that’s balanced perfectly by a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re sneaking veggies into dessert or craving something sweetly satisfying with a touch of texture from oats and walnuts, these bars have got it all. Trust me, once you try The Best Zucchini Bars, they’ll quickly become your go-to for any occasion!

The Best Zucchini Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to making The Best Zucchini Bars shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the moist richness of the shredded zucchini and carrot to the slight crunch from walnuts and oats, and the creamy highlight provided by the luscious frosting.

Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the bars tender without weighing them down.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to the perfect crumb texture.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the bars rise beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure needed to hold all the goodies in place.
Shredded zucchini: Brings natural moisture and subtle flavor, making the bars wonderfully soft.
Shredded carrot: Adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely orange color that brightens the bars.
Rolled oats: Introduce a hearty, chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft crumb.
Chopped walnuts: Contribute a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
Salted butter: Brings richness and smoothness to the cream cheese frosting.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, delivering that tangy, creamy finish that makes these bars irresistible.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the batter and frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.

How to Make The Best Zucchini Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the bars don’t stick and come out with clean edges. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfect baking results.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil and granulated sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a comforting aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This dry mix helps your bars rise evenly while adding a subtle warmth from the spices. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, folding carefully until just combined so you don’t overmix and lose the tender crumb.

Step 4: Fold in the Veggies, Oats, and Nuts

Gently fold in your shredded zucchini and carrot, then add the rolled oats and chopped walnuts. These additions bring fabulous texture and extra nutrition, while the zucchini and carrot keep the bars irresistibly moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven for approximately 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is tender, golden bars with just a hint of chewiness from the oats and crunch from the nuts.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating together salted butter and cream cheese until fluffy and light. Add vanilla extract, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and spreadable—this frosting is what truly elevates The Best Zucchini Bars to legendary status.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, creating a luscious, creamy layer. Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s as comforting as it is nutritious.

How to Serve The Best Zucchini Bars

Garnishes

Feel free to sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting for added visual appeal and a slight crunch. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich cream cheese.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For those who love contrast, serving them alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries creates a vibrant, refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the frosted bars on a pretty platter and garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of honey for an elegant dessert presentation. You can even cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them as part of a brunch spread, ensuring The Best Zucchini Bars steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making them the perfect grab-and-go treat throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some bars for later, wrap individual squares carefully in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy The Best Zucchini Bars anytime.

Reheating

For a quick refresh, thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This will soften the bars and slightly melt the frosting, giving you a cozy, freshly baked experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds both make wonderful substitutes and bring their own unique textures and flavors to The Best Zucchini Bars. Just be sure to chop them evenly to maintain the perfect bite.

Do I need to peel the zucchini or carrot before shredding?

There’s no need to peel either—the skin adds additional nutrients and color. Just make sure to wash them well before shredding to keep everything fresh and clean.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Just be mindful that some blends absorb liquid differently, so you may want to adjust the baking time slightly.

Is it possible to make these zucchini bars vegan?

For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still enjoy a delicious treat!

How long do The Best Zucchini Bars stay fresh at room temperature?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep them refrigerated and enjoy within 4 days. If you prefer to serve them at room temperature, take them out about 20 minutes before eating for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a bar that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a hint of wholesome veggies. The Best Zucchini Bars invite you to enjoy dessert without guilt, and with endless ways to personalize and serve them, you’ll find they quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these bars your own little slice of happiness!

The Best Zucchini Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 44 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Best Zucchini Bars are moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients like shredded zucchini, carrot, oats, and walnuts, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a dessert or snack, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil and granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Fold in vegetables and nuts: Carefully fold in the shredded zucchini, shredded carrot, rolled oats, and chopped walnuts into the batter to evenly distribute.
Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a silky texture.
Frost and serve: Once the zucchini bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini and carrot to prevent soggy bars.
You can swap walnuts for pecans if preferred.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American