Delicious Carrot Zucchini Bars: A Healthy Treat
These delicious carrot zucchini bars are a healthy and moist treat, perfect for any occasion. Packed with vegetables and a hint of spice, they're topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a delightful balance of flavors.
Equipment
- large bowl
- whisk
- separate bowl
- 13x9-inch baking pan
- wire rack
- Electric mixer (optional, for frosting)
Ingredients
- 3 Eggs
- 1.5 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar is a substitute
- 0.75 cup Oil Vegetable oil or applesauce
- 0.25 cup Honey Maple syrup for vegan option
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cup Carrot Fresh or pre-grated
- 1.5 cup Zucchini Medium-sized preferred; larger ones should be seeded and squeezed
- 0.5 cup Walnuts Optional; can be omitted or substituted with pecans/sunflower seeds
- 1.5 cup Flour Use spoon-and-level method
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 tsp Ground Ginger Nutmeg or cinnamon can substitute
- 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
Frosting
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Dairy-free for vegan option
- 2 cup Powdered Sugar Coconut powdered sugar is an alternative
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13x9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, and optional walnuts into the wet mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least one hour.
- While the bars cool, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl until fluffy to make the frosting.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top.
Notes
- For best results, squeeze excess moisture from zucchini and carrots before adding them to the batter. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
- Cool the bars completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cut portions wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.