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The Best Zucchini Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

These Best Zucchini Bars are moist, flavorful, and packed with shredded zucchini, carrots, oats, and crunchy walnuts topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a sweet treat that sneaks in some veggies, they’re easy to make and bake until golden and tender.

Ingredients

Zucchini 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 (do not squeeze)
  • 1 small carrot, shredded (about 1/3 cup)
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 17x11x1 or 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 cups granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend for 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Whisk until evenly mixed.
  4. Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use the hand mixer on low speed to blend until just combined.
  5. Add shredded vegetables: Gently fold in 2 cups shredded zucchini (do not squeeze out moisture) and 1 small shredded carrot.
  6. Add oats and nuts: Fold in 3/4 cup rolled oats and 1 cup chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Bake the bars: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup salted butter and 8 ounces cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add flavor and sweetness: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 to 2 minutes until fluffy.
  10. Frost the bars: Use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the walnuts before adding by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • One small shredded carrot used is approximately 1/3 cup shredded.
  • Store the frosted zucchini bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

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