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Simple Zucchini Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

These Simple Zucchini Bars are a moist, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. Made with shredded zucchini, oats, and warm cinnamon, these bars are topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. They are easy to prepare, baked in a jelly roll pan for convenient slicing, and combine sweet and subtly spiced flavors for a delightful dessert or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground preferred for more flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
  • 3 eggs (room temperature for better emulsification)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar

For the Frosting:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (Nielsen-Massey recommended)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan measuring 10.5 x 15.5 inches to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the base of the batter.
  3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, quick oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars dense.
  4. Add the Zucchini and Bake: Fold the shredded and well-drained zucchini into the batter evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it out uniformly. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  6. Frost the Zucchini Bars: Once the bars have cooled thoroughly, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve your moist, delicious zucchini treats.

Notes

  • Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini to avoid soggy bars.
  • Room temperature eggs help achieve better emulsification and a smoother batter.
  • Freshly ground cinnamon enhances the flavor depth significantly.
  • The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; check doneness with a toothpick starting at 18 minutes.
  • The bars should be completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Keywords: zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, moist bars, cinnamon, quick oats, easy dessert, baked bars

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/simple-zucchini-bars-recipe/