Butterscotch Zucchini Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, these Butterscotch Zucchini Bars are exactly what you need. Combining the moistness of fresh zucchini with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of butterscotch morsels, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a golden, gooey delight. Whether you’re sneaking veggies into a sweet treat or simply craving something uniquely comforting, Butterscotch Zucchini Bars deliver a perfect balance of texture and flavor that’s genuinely unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the subtle crunch from the zucchini, these essentials work hand-in-hand to make the bars irresistibly moist and satisfying.

• Butter, 1 cup (227g), room temperature: This adds a smooth, creamy base that carries the sweet notes beautifully.
• Brown sugar, 1 3/4 cup (350g), packed: Its deep molasses undertones bring that signature warmth and sweetness to the bars.
• Eggs, 2 large, room temperature: They bind everything together while adding a little lift and moisture.
• Vanilla, 1 teaspoon: Just a touch of this enhances all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups (250g): The structure provider, giving these bars that perfect chewy crumb.
• Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the bars rise gently for that light texture.
• Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavors.
• Zucchini, 1 1/2 cup finely grated and drained, packed: Adds moisture and subtle earthiness without overwhelming the sweet notes.
• Butterscotch morsels, 1 1/2 cups: The star ingredient that gives the bars their luscious, melt-in-your-mouth pockets of butterscotch goodness.

How to Make Butterscotch Zucchini Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by spraying it generously with non-stick spray or use the classic butter and flour technique for a non-stick finish. This step ensures that your bars will slide right out when they’re baked perfectly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Using a handheld mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This creaming step is essential as it incorporates air, contributing to a tender crumb in your bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to make sure you don’t leave any ingredients behind—this helps maintain an even mixture.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt before adding them to your wet mixture. Mix on medium-low speed just until the dry ingredients are incorporated—overmixing can make the bars tough, so be gentle here!

Step 5: Fold in Zucchini

Gently stir in the grated and drained zucchini on low speed; the batter will be quite runny, which is perfect. If it feels too dry, let it rest for about five minutes — the zucchini will release moisture, resulting in an even better texture for your bars.

Step 6: Add Butterscotch Morsels

Fold in 1 cup of the butterscotch morsels with a spatula, distributing the sweet pockets of butterscotch evenly throughout the batter. These morsels will melt during baking, creating those irresistible gooey bites.

Step 7: Transfer Batter and Top with Morsels

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of butterscotch morsels on top to form a tempting, golden crust once baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Butterscotch Zucchini Bars for 40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but no raw batter. The top and edges will darken beautifully, signaling a perfectly baked batch.

How to Serve Butterscotch Zucchini Bars

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar complements the deep caramel notes without overpowering the natural sweetness. For a decadent finish, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert that feels indulgent yet homey. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also pairs wonderfully with the butterscotch richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into squares or rectangles and stack them on a pretty platter for a charming dessert buffet addition. You can also cut smaller bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks for a fun party treat that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. Your Butterscotch Zucchini Bars will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dessert cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked feeling, reheat a bar in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place it in a warm oven for a few minutes. The butterscotch morsels will melt again, tasting just as heavenly as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works wonderfully and has a similar moisture content and mild flavor, which won’t affect the sweet butterscotch notes.

Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?

There’s no need to peel it! The skin is thin and soft, and it adds a lovely speckled appearance to the bars while delivering nutritious fiber.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter gives these bars their rich flavor, but you can use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola in a 1:1 ratio if needed, though the texture may be slightly different.

How do I prevent the zucchini from making the bars too wet?

After grating, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture by pressing the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Draining well is key to avoiding sogginess.

Is it okay to mix the batter by hand?

Definitely! Just take care to mix the ingredients thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking the flour, which keeps the bars tender and soft.

Final Thoughts

These Butterscotch Zucchini Bars are truly a delightful surprise—combining the best of garden-fresh goodness with the sweet, buttery allure we all crave. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it disappears from your kitchen! It’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies while treating yourself to something wonderfully comforting and delicious.

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