Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the perfect harmony of sweet, spiced, and tangy flavors with these Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting! Packed with grated carrots and zucchini for a moist, tender texture and spiced with a hint of cinnamon, these cake-like bars are both wholesome and flavorful. The crowning glory is a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting infused with bright orange zest and fresh orange juice, adding a refreshing citrus twist. Ideal as a dessert or an afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make and deliciously unique. Whether you're seeking a creative way to use fresh produce or a show-stopping recipe for any occasion, these bars deliver on taste, texture, and a pop of citrusy flair. Perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet yet lightly tangy indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 pieces Large eggs
- 1 cup Carrots (grated)
- 1 cup Zucchini (grated and squeezed of excess moisture)
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons Orange zest (finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh orange juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots and zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the orange zest and fresh orange juice until the frosting is smooth and tangy.
Spread the citrus cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Cut into 12 equal bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4816 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 243.2 g | 312% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.4 g | 477% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 747 mg | 249% | |
| Sodium | 3361 mg | 146% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 639.2 g | 232% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 469.9 g | ||
| Protein | 51.3 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 525 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2167 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
