If you have been searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances moist texture with rich flavors, then this Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars offer an irresistible combination of tender shredded zucchini baked into a cinnamon-spiced cake base, topped with a luscious, creamy frosting that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you want a wholesome snack or a cozy dessert, these zucchini bars come together with simple ingredients and deliver an impressive taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating magic in your kitchen. Each element contributes thoughtfully to the texture, flavor, and overall appeal of your zucchini bars, making the final result truly special.
- 1 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to keep the bars soft and tender.
- 1/2 cup butter (softened): Brings richness and helps bind the ingredients for a luscious crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that enhances the flavor profile.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and help everything come together seamlessly.
- 2 cups flour: Forms the sturdy base of the batter, ensuring your bars hold their shape perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Works as a leavening agent to give the bars a light rise and tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a lovely spice note that pairs beautifully with zucchini’s mild flavor.
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (drained): Keeps the bars moist and adds a subtle earthiness to every bite.
- ½ cup butter (softened for frosting): Provides a creamy, buttery base for the luscious frosting layer.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Gives the frosting its signature tang and irresistible smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s sweetness with a delicate hint of vanilla.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a perfectly spreadable topping.
How to Make Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Meanwhile, prepare your 8-inch square baking pan by generously spraying it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent your zucchini bars from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whip these ingredients together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This creates the flavorful and moist base that will carry the rest of your ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. These dry ingredients give structure and just the right lift to your zucchini bars, while cinnamon adds a subtle warmth to each bite.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry into the Wet, Then Add Zucchini
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Then gently fold in the drained shredded zucchini, distributing it evenly throughout the batter. The zucchini’s moisture and delicate texture are what make these bars uniquely delicious.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour and spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time ensures the bars are set but still moist and tender.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Once baked, allow your zucchini bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is essential because frosting warm bars can cause the cream cheese topping to melt and lose its beautiful texture.
Step 7: Prepare and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious frosting evenly over the cooled bars, creating a delightful topping that adds sweetness and richness.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
For the best texture and flavor, chill the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the frosting to set slightly, making every bite truly satisfying.
How to Serve Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted walnuts on top of the frosting for an extra crunch and a beautiful presentation. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness.
Side Dishes
These zucchini bars are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon snack. If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the bars’ creamy frosting and moist texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the zucchini bars into bite-sized squares for party platters or layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and fresh berries for an eye-catching and crowd-pleasing twist. You could also use cookie cutters to shape the bars into fun designs for festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your zucchini bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps maintain the cream cheese frosting’s firmness while keeping the bars moist for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Because of the delicate cream cheese frosting, it’s best to enjoy these bars chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, remove the frosting or heat the unfrosted bars briefly in the microwave, then add frosting after warming.
FAQs
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well because it has a similar texture and moisture content. It will give the bars a slightly different flavor but still delicious.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
There is no need to peel the zucchini since the skin adds color, nutrients, and texture to the bars. Just be sure to shred it finely and drain any excess moisture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the bars will still be tasty.
Is it necessary to drain the shredded zucchini?
Yes, draining excess liquid is important to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy. Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out moisture works perfectly.
Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of making my own?
You certainly can for convenience, though homemade cream cheese frosting allows you to control the sweetness and texture, which pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon notes in the bars.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and rewarding about baking the Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe from scratch, especially when sharing it with friends and family. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, making it one of my absolute favorites to turn to whenever I crave something special. Give it a try—you just might find your new signature dessert!
Print
Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist Zucchini Bars featuring a tender spiced batter loaded with shredded zucchini, topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. These bars make a perfect snack or dessert, combining subtle sweetness with moist texture and a smooth, flavorful topping.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups shredded zucchini, drained
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the pan: Spray an 8-inch square pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Add dry ingredients and zucchini: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Then stir in the shredded and well-drained zucchini until evenly incorporated.
- Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 8-inch square pan.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bars are fully cooked through.
- Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack to avoid melting the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the bars: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve: Cut into 9 equal bars and serve. Store any leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the zucchini is well drained to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Store frosted bars in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
