Description
These simple zucchini bars combine moist shredded zucchini with warm cinnamon-spiced batter, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making for a perfect sweet treat that’s both tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Main Ingredient
- 2 cups grated zucchini
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10.5 x 15.5 inch jelly roll pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set it aside for later use.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create the base of your batter.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, quick oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Gently mix just until combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bars light and tender.
- Add the Zucchini and Bake: Fold the grated zucchini evenly into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it uniformly. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla flavoring, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
- Frost the Zucchini Bars: Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve to enjoy a moist, cinnamon-spiced treat with a rich frosting finish.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini for less soggy bars, if desired.
- Use quick oats for texture, but rolled oats can be substituted if needed.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- If you prefer, you can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inch piece)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, moist cake bars, cinnamon zucchini dessert, easy baking
