Description

These Ultimate Frosted Zucchini Bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these bars combine the subtle sweetness of shredded zucchini with the crunch of walnuts or pecans for added texture. They make an ideal dessert or snack that celebrates the freshness of zucchini in a deliciously indulgent way.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves until well mixed.
Cream wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is fluffy and light. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the shredded zucchini and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk or cream until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Frost and serve: Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your moist and delicious zucchini bars!

Notes

For best results, squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini with a clean kitchen towel before folding it into the batter.
Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/16 of recipe)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, moist zucchini dessert, spiced zucchini bars, nut bars, easy baking recipe