Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful zucchini bars topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert, these bars combine the subtle freshness of zucchini with warm cinnamon and a rich frosting, creating a delicious and satisfying baked good that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine grated zucchini, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet zucchini mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Fold in chopped walnuts if desired.
- Bake the batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake until done: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting, which prevents the frosting from melting.
- Prepare frosting: In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Using fresh grated zucchini adds moisture and subtle flavor; squeeze excess water if zucchini is very wet to avoid soggy bars.
- Walnuts can be omitted or substituted with other nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- The frosting can be adjusted for sweetness by adding less powdered sugar if preferred.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 16 bars per pan)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, zucchini dessert, healthy dessert, baked zucchini, walnut bars, cinnamon bars
