Name: ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup canola oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups grated carrot; 1 cup grated zucchini; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 1/2 cups regular flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese; 1 cup icing sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

Jump to Recipe

If you have a craving for something wonderfully spiced, moist, and vibrant with fresh shredded veggies, you are going to fall head over heels for these ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine the comforting warmth of ginger and a mild sweetness from honey combined with the fresh texture of carrot and zucchini, all topped with a bright, tangy, and creamy lemon frosting that turns every bite into a delightful celebration. These bars are a perfect treat to brighten up any snack time, and I can’t wait to walk you through making them from scratch!

ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for ingredients that are both simple and essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures without any fuss. From the earthy sweetness of brown sugar and fresh grated veggies to the zingy punch of lemon zest in the frosting, every element is crafted to bring out the best in these bars.

2 eggs: Lightly beaten to bind everything together and add tenderness.
3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
1/2 cup canola oil: Keeps the bars moist without overpowering flavors.
1/4 cup honey: A natural sweetener with a gentle floral note.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, familiar undertones.
1 1/2 cups grated carrot: Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color.
1 cup grated zucchini: Adds a light, fresh texture and keeps the bars tender.
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped: Adds crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
1 1/2 cups regular flour: The base that holds everything together.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides lift and softness.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers warmth and subtle spice.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with rising and texture.
1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese: The creamy foundation of the frosting.
1 cup icing sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly with a silky touch.
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest: Infuses the frosting with fresh, zesty brightness.

How to Make ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting everything ready for baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract until combined. Don’t worry if the sugar looks a bit clumpy at first; it will dissolve as it rests. Next, gently fold in the grated carrot, zucchini, and chopped walnuts. This combination sets the stage for lovely moisture and texture in the bars.

Step 2: Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients well. This step is important as it ensures the baking powder and soda distribute evenly, giving your bars a beautiful rise and gentle crumb.

Step 3: Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking

Pour the dry flour mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients and stir just enough to combine. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a tender crumb relies on gentle handling. Once just mixed, spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Having an even surface helps the bars bake uniformly and look perfect.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cake

Bake your bars for about 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This means they are perfectly cooked — moist but not wet or gummy. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential so the lemon cream cheese frosting won’t melt when applied.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Frosting

While your bars cool, beat the cream cheese with the icing sugar and lemon zest in a medium bowl using an electric mixer. Work on medium speed until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread or pipe the luscious lemon cream cheese frosting over the top for a refreshing finishing touch. Slice into 36 generous bars and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

To elevate these ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, sprinkle a few extra finely chopped walnuts or a light dusting of lemon zest on top right before serving. A few edible flowers or a thin twist of lemon peel can also add a pretty and inviting touch that’s perfect for sharing at a party.

Side Dishes

These bars make a wonderful companion to a simple cup of chai tea or a bright green herbal tea, which complement their warm spices and fresh lemony frosting. For a more substantial snack, pairing with fresh fruit like sliced apples or a handful of berries can balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of chopped nuts and extra cream cheese frosting for dipping. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter at your next gathering. They’re so pretty and tasty, they’ll catch everyone’s eye immediately!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for up to four days — though, trust me, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

You can freeze these bars without frosting for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect them from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh lemon cream cheese frosting.

Reheating

Since these bars are best served chilled because of the frosting, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer them a bit softer, let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as this could melt the frosting and affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil instead of canola?

Absolutely! You can substitute canola oil with light olive oil, vegetable oil, or even melted coconut oil. Each may add a subtle flavor difference, but all keep your bars moist and tender.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for baking adjustments, but this recipe is forgiving and should work well.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese is chilled and not overly soft before mixing. Also, don’t skip the icing sugar, which helps stabilize the frosting. If it’s still too soft, pop the frosting in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before applying.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, the frosting can be made a day in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to spread it on your cooled bars. Give it a quick stir before using to return to the perfect spreading consistency.

What is the best way to grate zucchini and carrot for this recipe?

Using a box grater or the shredding attachment on a food processor works great. Just be sure to gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing to avoid soggy bars.

Final Thoughts

Making these ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is such a joy because they bring together hearty, wholesome ingredients with a bright, luscious finish that everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these bars feel like a warm hug with a citrusy spark. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s become a personal favorite that I love to share!

ni Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 36 bars 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with warm spices and a tangy lemon frosting. Made with fresh grated carrots and zucchini, walnuts, and a hint of ginger, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, combining wholesome ingredients with indulgent frosting for a deliciously satisfying dessert.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Small clumps of brown sugar are fine as they’ll dissolve while standing. Gently fold in the grated carrot, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts until combined.
Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing. Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
Bake and Cool the Cake: Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to allow the bars to set properly.
Prepare and Apply the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the reduced-fat cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars evenly. Cut into 36 bars and serve.

Notes

Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Use freshly grated carrots and zucchini for best texture and flavor.
Chopped walnuts add texture but can be omitted for nut-free option.
Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture; substitute with maple syrup if preferred.
Store bars refrigerated due to cream cheese frosting and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American