Description
These express zucchini bars feature an incredibly tender, moist crumb, thanks to the grated zucchini and vegetable oil, making them a perfect solution for a quick garden harvest dessert. They are topped with a quick-setting, buttery caramel glaze that adds a decadent, lush finish, ready to enjoy in minutes.
Ingredients
- Grated Zucchini (lightly blotted)
- All-Purpose Flour
- Vegetable Oil
- Brown Sugar
- Granulated Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Nutmeg
- Unsalted Butter
- Milk
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Wash the zucchini and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Lightly blot with paper towels to remove excess water but do not squeeze it dry.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, both sugars (granulated and brown), oil, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined, then fold in the zucchini.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool slightly in the pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Bring it to a gentle boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the milk. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
- Spread the warm caramel frosting over the bars. If you want a softer glaze, apply it while the bars are still slightly warm to the touch. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing into 14 even bars.
Notes
For optimal flavor balance, ensure you are using freshly ground spices, as this helps the cinnamon and nutmeg stand up against the richness of the caramel frosting. When folding the zucchini into the final batter, use a spatula and avoid overmixing, which can activate the gluten and result in tougher bars. If you prefer a thicker frosting that sets harder, allow the bars to cool completely before applying the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American