Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances wholesome veggies and a luscious finish, these ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are exactly what you need. Imagine tender, warmly spiced ginger carrot and zucchini bars topped with a tangy, silky lemon cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. Each bite brings together a comforting spice mix and fresh citrus zing, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and surprisingly fresh. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these bars never fail to impress and satisfy cravings for something sweet yet wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role—from the moistening oils and sweeteners to the fresh veggies that add texture and nutrition, all the way to that bright, creamy lemon frosting that takes these bars over the top.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Acts as the binding agent, giving the bars structure and richness.
- 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup canola oil: Keeps the bars moist without overpowering their delicate flavors.
- 1/4 cup honey: A natural sweetener that enhances the overall moistness and taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrot: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a vibrant orange hue.
- 1 cup grated zucchini: Keeps the bars tender and adds subtle freshness.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped: Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
- 1 1/2 cups regular flour: The base that holds all ingredients together with perfect crumb texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides lift and lightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Delivers a warm, spicy kick central to the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with rising and tender crumb development.
- 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese: The star of the frosting, creating that rich, tangy creaminess.
- 1 cup icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest: Infuses the frosting with a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
How to Make ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients
Start by heating up your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Don’t stress if there are still a few clumps of brown sugar—they’ll dissolve as everything mixes. Then, gently fold in the grated carrot, zucchini, and chopped walnuts to ensure an even distribution of texture and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda. Take your whisk and blend everything well so the leavening agents and spice are evenly spread throughout the mix. This is the secret to a perfect rise and balanced flavor in every square of your bars.
Step 3: Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet bowl, stirring carefully just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so keep it gentle. Once combined, pour the batter evenly into a 13x9x2-inch ungreased baking pan—a perfect size for a crowd-pleasing batch.
Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cake
Pop the pan into your oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When you take it out, be sure to let the cake cool fully in the pan on a wire rack so it sets properly before frosting—patience here pays off with perfect texture.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Frosting
While the bars cool, get started on the lemon cream cheese frosting. Beat the reduced-fat cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s fluffy and light. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting evenly on top—this finishing touch transforms these humble bars into a showstopper dessert that will disappear fast!
How to Serve ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a few extra lemon zest curls or a handful of finely chopped walnuts on top of the frosting. This adds a fresh, inviting look and a bit of extra texture that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal afternoon treat. For brunch, serve alongside a vibrant fruit salad or fresh berries to complement the warmth and spice of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond simple squares. Try cutting the ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting into bite-sized pieces presented on a pretty platter with edible flowers or place them in decorative cupcake liners for an elegant party platter that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep your ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days—perfect for savoring over a few days without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars un-frosted to maintain texture—wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving for perfectly fresh-tasting bars.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed cool, reheating isn’t required. If you prefer them slightly warmed, remove the frosting and warm the bars gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds, then add back the chilled frosting for a comforting contrast.
FAQs
Can I substitute the canola oil for another oil?
Absolutely! You can swap in vegetable oil, light olive oil, or even melted coconut oil. Just keep in mind that stronger oils might subtly change the flavor profile.
Is it okay to omit the nuts?
Yes, if you have allergies or prefer nut-free, simply skip the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch without the nuts.
Can I make the bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or other stabilizers to keep the texture just right.
How long does it take to make these bars?
From start to finish, including baking and cooling, expect about 1 hour. This includes the hands-on prep time, baking time, and crucial cooling time before frosting.
What if I don’t have fresh zucchini or carrots?
Fresh is best for texture and moisture, but if you’re in a pinch, thawed frozen shredded veggies can work. Just squeeze out excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. They strike such a perfect balance between sweet, spicy, fresh, and creamy, making them a beloved favorite to have in your recipe arsenal. I can’t wait for you to try them and share that cozy “wow” moment with your loved ones. Trust me—once you make these, they’ll become your go-to whenever you want a treat that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy.
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Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 bars 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars topped with a tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. Packed with fresh grated vegetables and warm spices, they make a wholesome treat perfect for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups regular flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting
- 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract. It’s normal if some small clumps of brown sugar remain as they will dissolve while resting. Gently fold in the grated carrot, zucchini, and chopped walnuts to combine.
- Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda thoroughly using a whisk to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender. Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan, smoothing the surface in preparation for baking.
- Bake and Cool the Cake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to ensure proper setting.
- Prepare and Apply the Frosting: Once cooled, beat the reduced-fat cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest together in a medium bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread or pipe the lemon cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled bars. Cut into 36 bars and serve.
Notes
- Grate the carrot and zucchini finely to ensure even texture and moisture distribution in the bars.
- Don’t skip cooling the bars completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese to keep the frosting lighter but still creamy.
- Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 36 bars)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: carrot bars, zucchini bars, ginger spice bars, lemon cream cheese frosting, healthy dessert, moist bars, vegetable dessert, reduced-fat frosting
