Description
Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful dessert featuring moist, cinnamon-scented bars packed with fresh shredded zucchini. This easy-to-make treat is topped with a rich cream cheese and vanilla frosting for an irresistible finish. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet snack, these bars stay moist and delicious for days and can be served right from the pan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Gradually add sugar and oil, beating well after each addition.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in shredded zucchini.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars, then cut into squares.
Notes
Substitute half whole wheat flour for added fiber or use coconut oil for a different flavor in the bars. If you’re out of cream cheese, try Greek yogurt for a tangy frosting alternative. Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days—bring to room temp before serving. If bars are overly dense, ensure zucchini is evenly shredded and not overly packed. If frosting is too thin, chill briefly or add a little extra powdered sugar. Wrapping cooled bars individually prevents drying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 32mg