Description
Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting offer a moist and flavorful treat blending spiced carrots, zucchini, and crunchy walnuts. Topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, these bars suit gatherings, snack time, or desserts. Their soft texture, hint of ginger, and zesty citrus finish create a delightful combination, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups grated carrot
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1½ teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 13×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in the grated carrot, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 13×9 inch pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest together until fluffy.
- Spread the lemon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For nut allergies, omit walnuts or replace with sunflower seeds. Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for added fiber, or swap canola oil with melted coconut oil. Bars can be made ahead and stored (unfrosted) in an airtight container for 3 days or frozen up to a month. Frosting may soften if stored at room temperature; refrigerate after frosting. If bars are dense, ensure zucchini and carrot are not overly wet. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 13mg