When it comes to simple desserts that also sneak in a little veggie goodness, these zucchini bars are a winner. Soft, moist, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon snack or a light dessert, these bars make an excellent choice for families, potlucks, or just to keep on hand during the week.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Bars
-
Moist and tender texture with fresh zucchini
-
Lightly sweet, not overly rich
-
Topped with a creamy frosting for extra flavor
-
Great way to use up garden zucchini
-
Easy to make in one bowl, minimal fuss
Ingredients
For the Bars
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup sugar
-
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
-
2 large eggs
-
2 cups grated zucchini (patted dry)
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon baking powder
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
-
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup butter, softened
-
3 cups powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until combined.
-
Fold in the grated zucchini. The batter will be thick and moist.
-
Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
-
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
-
Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until creamy.
-
Mix in vanilla extract. Spread evenly over cooled zucchini bars.
Tips and Variations
-
For a lighter version, skip the frosting and serve as plain zucchini snack bars.
-
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
-
Mix in chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
-
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
These zucchini bars prove that desserts don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With their tender crumb and sweet creamy topping, they’re an easy go-to for busy days when you still want something homemade. Perfect as a healthy-ish snack or a light dessert, they’re bound to become a family favorite.