Zucchini Bar Cookies

Discover the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesome goodness with these zucchini bar cookies, a delightful twist on classic dessert bars. Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars are made irresistibly moist with freshly grated zucchini and a hint of vanilla. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze for a touch of tangy sweetness, they strike the ideal harmony of flavors and textures. Optional chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch, making these bars a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for using up surplus zucchini while treating your taste buds. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or a unique addition to your next gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 unit large egg
• 1.5 cups zucchini, grated (moisture slightly squeezed out)
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in the egg until well combined.

Step 4

Fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture. If using, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before preparing the glaze.

Step 9

To make the cream cheese glaze, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.

Step 10

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top.

Step 11

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1338.6 grams (1338.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4120

Total Fat 184.60g	237%
Saturated Fat 91.20g	456%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 571mg	190%
Sodium 3405mg	148%
Total Carbohydrate 583.40g	212%
Dietary Fiber 15.60g	56%
Total Sugars 380.70g
Protein 54.30g	109%

Vitamin D 48IU	238%
Calcium 426mg	33%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 1808mg	38%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.4%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 55.4%