Have you ever wondered if a dessert made with vegetables could actually be delicious?
It might sound strange, but zucchini bars are here to surprise you! These moist, flavorful treats are a clever way to use up extra zucchini, and no one will even guess they’re made with a veggie. With the warm taste of spices and a rich cream cheese frosting, zucchini bars are the perfect snack or dessert that even picky eaters will love.
Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a school snack, or just because you’re craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe is simple, delicious, and fun to make. Let’s dig into why zucchini bars are so special and how you can whip up a batch right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Bars
Print
Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
These Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and filled with warm spices and crunchy walnuts. Topped with a sweet spiced cream cheese frosting, they’re a sneaky and tasty way to enjoy more veggies. Perfect for potlucks, snacks, or dessert!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 (16 oz) package cream cheese frosting
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prep pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the base: In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Gradually stir into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add zucchini and nuts: Fold in shredded zucchini and chopped walnuts.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and frost: Let bars cool completely in the pan. Stir ground cloves into cream cheese frosting and spread evenly over cooled bars.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
If your zucchini is very watery, lightly pat it with paper towels before adding to the batter. For a nut-free version, simply skip the walnuts or replace with raisins. Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. For a homemade frosting option, whip together 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 cups powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Zucchini bars are soft, spiced dessert squares packed with shredded zucchini and chopped walnuts, then topped with creamy, flavorful frosting. These bars are:
- Moist and tender
- Spiced with cinnamon and cloves
- Quick to make in under an hour
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
- Great for using up extra zucchini
Even better, they’re a sneaky way to add veggies into a dessert. You won’t taste the zucchini, but you’ll enjoy the moisture it brings to every bite.
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Essential Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tasty zucchini bars. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!
For the Bars:
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Spice Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (16-ounce) package cream cheese frosting
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Substitutions and Variations:
- Butter: You can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute.
- Eggs: Swap with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) for an egg-free version.
- Flour: Gluten-free flour blends work well here if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Nuts: Feel free to skip the walnuts or use pecans or raisins instead.
- Frosting: You can make your own cream cheese frosting if you prefer homemade over store-bought.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. This takes about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Your mixture should be smooth and fluffy at this point.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the spices and soda.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just mixed — don’t overmix.
Step 6: Add the Zucchini and Walnuts
Fold in the shredded zucchini and chopped walnuts. The batter will be thick but moist — that’s perfect.
Tip: If your zucchini is very wet, lightly pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it. You still want some moisture, but not too much.
Assembly and Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting. This helps the frosting go on smoothly and prevents it from melting.
Frosting the Zucchini Bars
While the bars are cooling, stir ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves into your cream cheese frosting. This adds a little extra warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with the bars.
Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. You can make swirls for a pretty finish.
Presentation Tips:
- Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon on top for a nice touch.
- Cut the bars into neat squares or rectangles for serving.
- Serve on a simple white plate to make the spiced bars stand out.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers:
Place the frosted bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge and frost before serving.
Make Ahead:
Bake the bars a day ahead, store them (unfrosted) at room temperature, and frost them the next day before serving for the freshest flavor.
Creative Recipe Variations
Want to try a twist on classic zucchini bars? Here are some ideas:
- Zucchini Carrot Bars: Add ½ cup shredded carrots along with the zucchini.
- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Lemon Zucchini Bars: Skip the cinnamon and cloves. Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and a lemon glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
- Pumpkin Spice Zucchini Bars: Replace half of the butter with pumpkin purée and add a dash of nutmeg.
Why Zucchini Bars Are Good for You
These dessert bars don’t just taste good—they’re also better for you than typical treats.
- Zucchini is packed with water and fiber to help with digestion.
- You get extra nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and folate in every bite.
- Less oil and sugar are needed thanks to the moisture from the zucchini.
So yes, you can feel good about eating a dessert made with vegetables!
FAQs About Zucchini Bars
Do I need to peel the zucchini before using it?
Nope! Just wash it and grate it. The skin is soft and adds nutrients.
Will I taste the zucchini in the bars?
Not at all. Zucchini has a very mild flavor and blends right into the batter.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The bars will still come out moist and delicious.
Is the frosting optional?
Yes. The bars taste great on their own if you want to cut down on sugar.
Can I bake this recipe as a cake instead?
Yes, you can bake the batter in a round or square cake pan and frost it like a spice cake.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect treat for any season. They’re moist, lightly spiced, and topped with creamy frosting that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re using up garden zucchini or just trying to sneak more veggies into your diet, this recipe is a delicious solution.
So grab your mixing bowl and give it a try. Don’t be surprised when friends and family ask for seconds — and for the recipe!
Happy baking!
