There’s something magical about baking with zucchini. It’s the ultimate kitchen chameleon—slipping into batters, keeping things impossibly moist, and letting bolder flavors shine. Today, I’m beyond excited to share my Lemon Zucchini Bars with Glaze—a sunny, sweet treat that brings the fresh zing of lemon together with the subtle tenderness of garden zucchini.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What are Lemon Zucchini Bars?
These bars are soft, cake-like squares infused with bright lemon zest and juice, made luscious with freshly grated zucchini. They’re topped with a simple glaze that soaks in just enough to keep every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fresh, vibrant flavor from real lemon juice and zest
Zucchini keeps the crumb moist without adding heaviness
Quick to mix, no mixer required
Great for using up extra garden zucchini
Pretty enough for brunch, casual enough for an afternoon snack

What They Taste Like:
Imagine a soft lemon cake—bright, citrusy, and lightly sweet—married with the delicate moisture of zucchini. The glaze adds a sweet-tart kiss that makes each bite sing.

Seasonal Relevance:
Perfect for summer and early fall when zucchini is abundant, but honestly, I make these year-round because lemon brings sunshine to any season.

Ingredients:

2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 large lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Tools Needed:

Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
9×13-inch baking pan
Box grater
Cooling rack

Suggested Substitutions:

Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note
Add blueberries for a fruity twist
Use lime instead of lemon for a tangy variation

How to Make Lemon Zucchini Bars

Prep the Pan & Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add Zucchini & Lemon – Fold in the grated zucchini, lemon zest, and juice. The batter will look slightly wet—that’s perfect.
Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir into the wet mixture until just combined.
Bake – Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Make the Glaze – While bars cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency as desired.
Glaze & Serve – Pour glaze over warm bars, letting it soak in. Cool completely before slicing into squares.

What to Serve with Lemon Zucchini Bars

These bars shine solo, but they’re dreamy alongside a cup of tea, a latte, or even a sparkling lemonade. For brunch, pair with savory dishes like Herb Frittata or Savory Zucchini Muffins.

Tips for Making It Perfect

Drain Lightly – Don’t squeeze zucchini completely dry—its natural moisture is key.
Don’t Overmix – Keeps the texture tender.
Zest First – Always zest before juicing your lemon.
Glaze While Warm – This helps the glaze seep in without making the top soggy.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

General Information

Zucchini in baked goods has deep roots in home baking traditions, especially in the U.S., where gardeners look for creative ways to use a bumper crop. Lemon adds a fresh, clean brightness that balances zucchini’s mild sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—swap with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

3. Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but the glaze is what gives these bars their irresistible sweet-tart finish.

Conclusion

These Lemon Zucchini Bars with Glaze are sunshine in dessert form—bright, moist, and ready to win over anyone who doubts baking with vegetables. If you loved this, you might also enjoy my Moist Lemon Loaf or Citrus Poppy Seed Muffins.