Zucchini Bars - A Moist and Easy Treat Everyone Will Love
Prep Time: 40 mins | 12 bars
What Are Zucchini Bars?
Zucchini bars are sweet, cake-like squares made with shredded zucchini. They have a texture similar to banana bread or carrot cake, and they’re often topped with cream cheese frosting. The zucchini adds moisture and nutrition without changing the flavor, so even people who don’t like vegetables usually enjoy these bars.
Let’s explore everything you need to know from what makes these bars so good to how to make them perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Bars
Zucchini might not sound like a dessert ingredient, but when shredded and baked, it turns into something amazing. Here’s why people love zucchini bars:
Soft and moist thanks to the zucchini
Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
Perfectly sweet but not too sugary
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Great for using garden zucchini
Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just your own family, zucchini bars are always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to make zucchini bars from scratch.
For the Bars:
1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
2 large eggs
Âľ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
ÂĽ tsp ground nutmeg
ÂĽ tsp salt
For the Frosting (optional but highly recommended):
4 oz cream cheese, softened
ÂĽ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Tip: You can also add chopped walnuts or raisins for extra texture.
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Grater
Whisk or hand mixer
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Spatula
Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Shred the Zucchini
- Use a box grater to shred the zucchini. There’s no need to peel it. After shredding, gently squeeze out excess water using a clean towel.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add Zucchini
- Stir the shredded zucchini into the wet mixture.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Mix Everything
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until combined. Don’t overmix.
7. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Make the Frosting
- While the bars cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy.
9. Frost and Serve
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Unfrosted zucchini bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations on the classic zucchini bars:
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
Coconut Zucchini Bars – Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Apple Zucchini Bars – Add ½ cup of finely chopped apples for extra sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
*Per serving of Zucchini Bars (1 bar, based on 12 servings per pan)
- Calories260 kcal
- Protein3 g
- Carbs35 g
- Fat12 g
- Saturated Fat5 g
- Cholesterol35 mg
- Sodium180 mg
- Fiber1 g
FAQs
Q1. Can I make zucchini bars without frosting?
- Yes! They are still delicious plain, or you can dust them with powdered sugar for a light touch.
Q2. Should I peel the zucchini?
- No need! The peel softens during baking and adds color and nutrients.
Q3. Can I make them gluten-free?
- Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.
Try It and Share!
If you make these zucchini bars, we’d love to see them! Share your creation on Instagram and tag us @TasteSpur. 💚
Have questions or your own twist on this recipe? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
