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The Best Zucchini Bars Recipe

The Best Zucchini Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

These Best Zucchini Bars are moist, flavorful, and packed with shredded zucchini and carrots for a healthy twist. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and crunchy walnuts, they make a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Bars

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini
  • 1 small carrot, shredded
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 17x11x1 inch or 15x10x1 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly for about 1 minute until smooth and well combined.
  3. Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients to evenly distribute.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a hand mixer on low speed to mix until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Add vegetables: Fold in the shredded zucchini and shredded carrot gently using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the vegetables.
  6. Add oats and nuts: Gently fold in the rolled oats and chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
  7. Bake the bars: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add flavor and sugar: Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to high speed and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  10. Frost the bars: Using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts if allergic.
  • Be sure to squeeze excess moisture from zucchini if very watery to prevent soggy bars.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a lighter version, reduce sugar to 1.5 cups and use low-fat cream cheese.
  • Make sure bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, healthy dessert, zucchini recipes, carrot bars, nutty bars, easy baking, snack bars

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/the-best-zucchini-bars-recipe/