Description
Frosted Zucchini Spice Bars are a deliciously unique dessert that combines the flavors of warm spices with the moisture of zucchini, topped with a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis, packed)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg