Zucchini bread bars

Zucchini bread bars are a moist, tender, and lightly spiced treat made with fresh zucchini and pantry staples. These bars offer all the comfort of traditional zucchini bread in a convenient, sliceable form—perfect for snacking, breakfast, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are a delicious way to use up fresh zucchini and sneak some veggies into your diet without compromising on flavor. They’re soft, warmly spiced, and just sweet enough, with a cake-like texture that’s perfect for pairing with coffee or packing into lunchboxes. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these bars are also great for meal prep and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
salt
eggs
granulated sugar
brown sugar
vegetable oil or melted butter
vanilla extract
shredded zucchini (moisture lightly squeezed out)
chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
cream cheese frosting or glaze (optional, for topping)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Stir in the shredded zucchini.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before topping with cream cheese frosting or glaze, if desired.

9. Slice into bars and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12–16 bars, depending on the size of the cuts.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Zucchini Bars: Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a rich, fudgy variation.

• Lemon Zucchini Bars: Add lemon zest and top with a lemon glaze for a bright, citrusy twist.

• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs, plant-based oil, and dairy-free frosting or glaze.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Frosting-Free: Skip the topping and dust with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

storage/reheating

Store zucchini bread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost after thawing if desired.

Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, the skin is soft and unnoticeable once baked. Just wash and shred the zucchini with the skin on.

How do I remove excess moisture from zucchini?

After shredding, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Don’t over-dry it—some moisture is necessary for a soft texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The bars will be denser and nuttier in flavor.

Can I make these bars without eggs?

Yes, you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) or an egg replacer to make the recipe egg-free.

What kind of pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch rectangular baking pan works best for evenly cooked, easily sliceable bars.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I add fruit to the bars?

Yes, shredded apples or mashed banana can be mixed in for extra moisture and sweetness. Reduce the amount of sugar slightly if adding sweet fruits.

What toppings work best?

Classic cream cheese frosting is most popular. Alternatively, you can drizzle a vanilla or lemon glaze, or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Thaw before frosting or serving.

Are zucchini bread bars healthy?

They’re a balanced treat with added vegetables and can be made healthier by reducing sugar, using whole grain flour, or adding nuts and seeds.

Conclusion

Zucchini bread bars are a delightful way to enjoy the moist, spiced flavor of zucchini bread in a more convenient, shareable form. Easy to customize, store, and serve, these bars are a go-to option for breakfast, snacks, or casual desserts. Whether topped with a creamy frosting or enjoyed plain, they’re a satisfying and subtly sweet treat you’ll want to make again and again

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