Spiced Zucchini Carrot Bars
Discover the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent with these Spiced Zucchini Carrot Bars, a moist and flavorful dessert bar that’s bursting with warm spices and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of freshly grated zucchini and carrots with a fragrant blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a soft, tender crumb that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Optional chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch, while the silky frosting provides the ultimate creamy finish. Perfect for gatherings, snack time, or a unique dessert option, these bars are easy to make, ready in under an hour, and a delicious way to sneak in some veggies. Try these crowd-pleasers today and elevate your dessert game!
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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
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Zucchini, grated
- 1 cup Carrot, grated
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces Cream cheese
- 0.25 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and beat until fully combined.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the grated zucchini, grated carrot, and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Slice into 16 squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4764 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 225.0 g | 288% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.1 g | 326% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 70.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 229 mg | 76% | |
| Sodium | 2000 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 672.9 g | 245% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 505.4 g | ||
| Protein | 44.9 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 454 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1697 mg | 36% | |
*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.
