Description
These Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want a soft homemade dessert that turns even zucchini skeptics into fans.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in shredded zucchini and chopped nuts if using.
6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy.
11. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
12. Chill for 20 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
Do not squeeze moisture from the zucchini; it helps keep the bars incredibly moist.
For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg to the batter.
Store bars refrigerated because of the cream cheese frosting.
These bars taste even better the next day after the flavors have settled together.
You can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 42mg