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The Best Zucchini Bars (with Cream Cheese Frosting)

These Zucchini Bars are moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Think carrot cake meets spiced oat bars—with a veggie twist that keeps them tender for days. They’re perfect for potlucks, brunch trays, or simply pairing with your morning coffee.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the bars:
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or applesauce for lighter texture
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini squeezed dry
  • 1 small carrot shredded
  • ¾ cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • ½ cup salted butter softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted

Method
 

  1. Preheat & prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  4. Combine: Stir dry ingredients into wet until just blended. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in zucchini, carrot, oats, and walnuts. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
  6. Bake: Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. Make the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add vanilla, then powdered sugar, and beat until fluffy.
  8. Frost & serve: Spread frosting over cooled bars. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy!
  9. Tips for Success
  10. Squeeze zucchini well: Wrap shredded zucchini in a towel and press until little liquid remains.
  11. Check oven temp: Rotate pan halfway through baking for even results.
  12. Cool fully before frosting: Warm bars = runny frosting.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate frosted bars up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted bars up to 3 months.
Variations
Nut-free: Skip walnuts or swap for sunflower/pumpkin seeds.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
Chocolate twist: Stir in chocolate chips or drizzle bars with melted chocolate.
Nutrition (per bar, approx.)
Calories: 370 | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 44g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 5g | Sugar: 30g