Description
Deliciously spiced bars made with carrots and zucchini, topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots and zucchini.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and zucchini.
- 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.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- You can substitute the zucchini with grated apples for a different twist.
- For a spicier kick, increase the ground ginger or add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg