Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the perfect combination of sweetness and freshness with these irresistible Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This easy-to-make recipe transforms grated zucchini into soft, moist dessert bars, infused with warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite is a heavenly blend of creamy richness and spiced decadence. Ideal for using up summer zucchini, this crowd-pleasing treat is ready in under an hour and makes 16 generous servings. Whether you're hosting a gathering or craving a midweek indulgence, these zucchini bars strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. Perfect for keywords like "zucchini dessert," "cream cheese frosting recipe," and "quick homemade baked goods," this recipe will leave everyone reaching for seconds!
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 0.25 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups zucchini, grated
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the grated zucchini until evenly incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 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 in the pan before frosting.
To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
389 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.5 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 196 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.3 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.6 g | ||
| Protein | 4.0 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 103 mg | 2% | |
*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.
