Description
These Satisfying Zucchini Apple Bars combine tender, lightly spiced zucchini filling with a buttery crumbly crust and topping, creating a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. The bars offer a delightful texture contrast and subtle spice notes, making them a comforting treat that can be enjoyed fresh or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Mixture
- 8 cups peeled and seeded fresh zucchini, cubed (about 5 lb whole zucchini)
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Crust and Topping
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups salted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Zucchini Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, seed, and cube the zucchini to make about 8 cups. Place the zucchini and lemon juice in a large pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and liquid reduces, about 20 minutes.
- Add Spices and Sweeten the Filling: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in granulated sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, adjusting spices to taste if desired.
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping: In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in the cubed salted butter until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Divide the mixture evenly; half for the crust and half for the topping.
- Pre-bake the Crust: Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of a 12 x 16-inch rimmed baking sheet to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Assemble and Bake the Zucchini Bars: Remove the crust from the oven. Pour the zucchini filling evenly over the crust, including all juices. Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping evenly over the filling. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown, checking at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool, Slice, and Serve: Allow bars to cool completely before slicing. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the zucchini is well-cooked until tender to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
- Adjust the spices to your preference, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
- The crust can be pre-baked to prevent sogginess from the zucchini filling.
- These bars refrigerate well and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Bar
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24th of recipe)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Zucchini bars, zucchini dessert, crumb bars, spiced bars, healthy dessert, zucchini recipe
