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

Scale

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)

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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