Simple Zucchini Bars Recipe

There is something incredibly joyful about baking and sharing these Simple Zucchini Bars. Moist, tender, and bursting with cozy cinnamon flavor, these bars transform humble grated zucchini into a delightful treat. With a luscious cream cheese frosting crowning the top, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a comforting afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these Simple Zucchini Bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, moisture, and flavor in your Simple Zucchini Bars. The combination of spices, sugar, and creamy frosting work together to make every bite simply irresistible.

• 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and lightness to the batter.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Contributes a subtle caramel note and extra moisture.
• 3 eggs: Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor depth.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
• 1/2 cup quick oats: Adds slight texture and heartiness without heaviness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a light crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Spices the bars with a warm, comforting touch.
• 2 cups grated zucchini: The star vegan “secret ingredient” that keeps the bars moist and tender.
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese: The creamy base for the luscious frosting.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring: Gives the frosting a delicate, aromatic finish.

How to Make Simple Zucchini Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a jelly roll pan ensures your zucchini bars come out cleanly, saving you any frustration after baking. This step lays the foundation for a smooth baking process and perfect bar shape.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Combine vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stirring these ingredients until smooth creates the moist, sweet base crucial for delicious Simple Zucchini Bars.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Next, add flour, quick oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to your wet mixture. Gently folding these together (without overmixing) ensures your bars stay tender and soft, with just the right amount of rise.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini and Bake

Carefully fold in the grated zucchini, making sure it’s evenly spread throughout the batter. Pour everything into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Baking for 18-22 minutes develops a light, moist consistency that’s unmistakably satisfying.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bars cool, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla flavoring, whisking to a creamy, smooth frosting that perfectly complements the spiced zucchini bars.

Step 6: Frost the Zucchini Bars

Once cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the bars. This final step turns simple ingredients into a gorgeous, moist, and indulgent dessert. Cut into squares and prepare to impress!

How to Serve Simple Zucchini Bars

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top elevates your Simple Zucchini Bars with extra crunch and aroma. Fresh mint leaves can bring a lovely pop of color and excitement for presentation.

Side Dishes

These bars are a wonderful companion to a cup of spiced chai, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt to balance out their rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Simple Zucchini Bars on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers or add a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce on top for a glossy finish. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for a potluck, making it easy to share and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Simple Zucchini Bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, maintaining their moist texture and creamy frosting.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Just place cut bars on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best results.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth, gently heat bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300°F until soft. This quick reheat will bring back the comforting softness and enhance the cream cheese frosting’s velvety mouthfeel.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil?

Absolutely! Vegetable oil works best for its neutral flavor, but you can substitute with canola or light olive oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil lest they overpower the delicate balance of the bars.

Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?

No need to peel! The skin adds beautiful color and nutrients. Just be sure to grate finely and squeeze out any excess moisture if your zucchini is very watery to keep the bars from becoming too soggy.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these Simple Zucchini Bars without gluten. Texture may vary slightly but still delicious.

Is it okay to use frozen zucchini?

You can use frozen zucchini, but thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to the batter. Excess moisture can affect the texture, so squeezing out water helps keep your bars perfectly moist, not mushy.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?

Of course! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or a lightly sweetened Greek yogurt topping can be delightful alternatives while keeping the bars moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Making these Simple Zucchini Bars is such a rewarding experience that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of wholesome goodness. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become your go-to for any occasion, bringing warmth and smiles to your table. Don’t hesitate to dive in and bake up a batch—you deserve this cozy, scrumptious treat in your life!

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