When you think of desserts, you might not immediately envision a treat packed with vegetables. However, zucchini bars are here to change your perspective! These delightful, moist bars are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, all while sneaking in some healthy veggies. Topped with a luscious creamy cream cheese frosting, these zucchini bars make for a fantastic snack or a sweet ending to any meal.
Why We Love This Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
One of the reasons you’ll fall for this recipe is its ability to bring together a lovely balance of sweetness and spice. The use of fresh zucchini not only adds moisture to the bars but also provides a nutritional boost that you won’t feel guilty about. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, especially for picky eaters or kids.
Moreover, the creamy cream cheese frosting elevates these bars to a whole new level. The smooth and rich texture perfectly complements the spiced cake-like base, making it a joyous experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a potluck, or simply indulging in a personal treat, these zucchini bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients about Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
To create these scrumptious Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 3/4 cup White Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 whole Eggs
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup Applesauce
- 2 cups Zucchini, Shredded
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
- 1 cup Butter, Softened
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Heavy Whipping Cream
How to Make Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting Directions
Creating your own zucchini bars is easier than you may think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your baking adventure is a breeze.
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is properly heated will help achieve an even bake, resulting in perfectly fluffy bars.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ginger. Make sure you mix these ingredients thoroughly to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Next, in the same bowl, add the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until well-blended. You are looking for a homogeneous batter without any flour lumps.
- Fold in Zucchini: Once your batter is nicely mixed, gently fold in the shredded zucchini. This step adds moisture and flavor to your bars, ensuring they stay tender and delicious.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a 12″x17″ jelly-roll baking sheet to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for an easy release and cleanup.
- Transfer the Batter: Pour your zucchini batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial as frosting warm bars can lead to a melted, messy topping.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until well combined. Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream to achieve that silky texture.
- Frost the Bars: Once the zucchini bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
- Serve: For the best taste experience, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator before slicing. This allows the frosting to set and offers a refreshing treat.
How to Serve Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting can be as delightful as making them. Consider cutting them into squares or rectangles, making them an easy, grab-and-go snack. You could dust a little extra powdered sugar on top for a decorative touch, or even sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Pair your zucchini bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon treat. The warm spices and sweet creamy frosting make an excellent accompaniment to a cozy drink, ensuring that your experience is well-rounded.
Additionally, these bars can be a great addition to a potluck or family gathering. You can even serve them on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for an appealing presentation.
Expert Tips: Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
- Zucchini Preparation: When preparing your zucchini, make sure to remove the excess moisture. You can do this by squeezing out the shreds in a clean kitchen towel before adding them to the batter. This will help keep your bars from being too wet and maintain the right texture.
- Frosting Texture: For the best frosting results, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature prior to mixing. This allows them to incorporate better, yielding a smoother frosting.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the frosting according to your preferences. If you enjoy a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Flavorings: Experiment with adding other flavorings such as lemon zest to the frosting for a refreshing twist. It adds a nice zing that pairs wonderfully with the spiced bars.
How to Store Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Proper storage of your zucchini bars will maintain their freshness and flavor. Once cooled and frosted, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If you want to store them for an extended period, consider cutting them into individual bars and placing them in an airtight container. These bars can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to place parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Variation of Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
There are countless ways to put a unique spin on these delicious zucchini bars. If you’re looking to mix things up, consider trying some of these variations:
- Add Nuts: Enhance the texture by folding in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Not only do they add crunch, but they also enhance the flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, throw in some chocolate chips to the batter before baking. The melty chocolate adds a wonderful flavor contrast to the spiced bars.
- Carrot-Zucchini Combo: Add finely grated carrots along with zucchini to give these bars a unique flavor and added nutrients. The combination can make your bars even more colorful and flavorful.
- Fruity Flavor: Mix in some crushed pineapple for added moisture and sweetness, or even flavored extracts for a new dimension to your bars.
FAQ
What makes zucchini bars so special?
Zucchini bars are special because they combine the moisture of zucchini with warm spices, creating a light yet decadent dessert. Plus, they bring a sneaky dose of vegetables into your treats, making them a healthier option for indulging.
Can I make zucchini bars without eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers. Each will provide moisture and binding capabilities, ensuring your bars still turn out delicious.
How do I know when my zucchini bars are done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs sticking to it, they’re ready to be taken out of the oven.
Is it necessary to frost zucchini bars?
While the cream cheese frosting takes these bars to the next level of flavor and indulgence, they can certainly be enjoyed without frosting. You could simply dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
Zucchini Bars with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Bars
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 3/4 cup White Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 whole Eggs
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup Applesauce
- 2 cups Zucchini, Shredded
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
- 1 cup Butter, Softened
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Add the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well-blended.
- Gently fold in the shredded zucchini.
- Grease a 12"x17" jelly-roll baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Baking
- Pour the zucchini batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream to achieve a silky texture.
Serving
- Once the bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
- Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator before slicing.
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