Name: Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar; ½ cup butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups shredded zucchini, well drained; ½ cup butter, softened; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 77 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a delightful twist on classic bars that combines moistness, spice, and tangy sweetness, you’re going to adore this Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars offer a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor, delivering a tender crumb spiked with cinnamon and balanced perfectly by a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re simply irresistible whether you’re serving them to family, friends, or just indulging yourself with a cozy treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stainless steel mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two clear layers inside; the bottom layer is a thick, light brown dough with a rough texture, and the top layer is a heap of shredded green zucchini with a moist and fibrous look, piled mostly on one side of the bowl. The inside sides of the bowl show some flour dust and smudges of dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient works to bring a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Every component is essential, from the shredded zucchini adding moisture to the aromatic cinnamon infusing warmth, and the creamy frosting tying it all together.

Brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the batter.
Butter (softened): Creates tenderness in the bars and richness in the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma with a warm note.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients, giving structure and moisture to the bars.
Flour: Provides the base for the bars, ensuring a soft but stable crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise and develop a light texture.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bars with a cozy spice that complements the zucchini.
Shredded zucchini (drained): Keeps the bars moist and adds a subtle earthiness without overpowering.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the frosting, offering tangy smoothness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the perfect spreadable consistency.

How to Make Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Zucchini

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grate the zucchini finely and then be sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture — this step is key for the bars to have the right texture and not become soggy.

Step 2: Ready Your Baking Pan

Spray a 9-inch square pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out cleanly and easily once baked.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated. This creates the flavorful and moist base of your batter.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Zucchini

Gently stir in the flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon until just combined. Then fold in the drained shredded zucchini, ensuring an even distribution that infuses every bite with moisture and subtle veggie goodness.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step guarantees the bars set perfectly with a tender crumb.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow your baked bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling time is important before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming runny.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually whip in the powdered sugar until you get a fluffy, spreadable frosting that’s just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars. Once frosted, slice into squares and you’re ready to enjoy this comforting, irresistible treat!

How to Serve Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A square piece of carrot cake with a thick layer of smooth white cream cheese frosting on top, showing a dense and moist orange-brown cake filled with small green and orange bits inside. The cake sits on a white round plate placed on a red and white checkered cloth, with two other cake pieces in the blurry background on white plates. The surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair by sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon or freshly grated lemon zest also brightens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These zucchini bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a chilled glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into mini squares for bite-sized snacks at a party or drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate over the frosting for an elegant touch. You can also layer them in a clear dish with extra frosting between layers for a decadent dessert trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover zucchini bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the bars into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the bars warm, let frozen pieces thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The frosting will soften slightly, bringing out all those delicious flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works similarly and can be swapped one-for-one, with just as much moisture and mild flavor to complement this recipe perfectly.

How do I make sure the zucchini doesn’t make the bars too soggy?

Draining the shredded zucchini well is the key. Press it in a clean kitchen towel or use a fine sieve to get rid of excess liquid before mixing it into the batter.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and it should yield a very similar texture without compromising taste.

Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?

Definitely. A hand mixer works great for creaming the butter and sugar and whipping the frosting to the perfect consistency.

How thick should I spread the frosting?

A nice, even layer about ¼ inch thick allows the frosting to complement the bars without overpowering them. You want enough to taste the tangy cream cheese but still enjoy the spice and moisture of the zucchini bars.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’ll quickly become a new favorite go-to for dessert or snack time. Its perfect balance of moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting makes every bite feel like a comforting hug. I’m excited for you to bake a batch and share something truly special with your loved ones!