Name: Moist Zucchini Bars: 20+ Years of Delicious Failure
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp milk

Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Jump to Recipe

Oh my goodness, zucchini! Every summer, it feels like my garden (and everyone else’s!) is overflowing with the stuff. I’m always looking for new ways to use it up, and these moist zucchini bars with cream cheese frosting? They’re a total winner. Seriously, they’re so incredibly moist – you’d never guess they’re packed with veggies! The tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect counterpoint to the subtly sweet zucchini. I’ve been baking for over 20 years, and trust me, this recipe is a keeper. A friend shared it with me years ago, and it’s been a family favorite ever since!

Why You’ll Love These Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, so why *should* you make these bars? Let me tell you! They’re seriously good and super easy. Plus, everyone always raves about them. Here’s the lowdown:

They’re so flavorful, even picky eaters love them!
The texture is amazing – perfectly moist and tender.
You can whip them up in no time.
They’re great for snacks, desserts, potlucks… you name it!

Quick and Easy Dessert

Seriously, these come together so fast. Minimal effort, maximum reward! You’ll be enjoying warm zucchini bars in under an hour.

Incredibly Moist Texture

The zucchini adds *so* much moisture. These bars are never dry or crumbly. They’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious, I promise!

Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

That cream cheese frosting? It’s the perfect sweet and tangy counterpoint to the zucchini. It really takes these bars to the next level!

Ingredients for Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing moist zucchini bars with cream cheese frosting. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! For the bars themselves, grab: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini. And for that luscious frosting: 4 oz cream cheese (softened, please!), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (also softened!), 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2-3 tbsp milk.

How to Make Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated; these moist zucchini bars with cream cheese frosting are seriously easy to make. Just follow along, and you’ll be golden!

Preparing the Zucchini Bar Batter

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – gotta get that oven ready! Then, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Trust me, you don’t want these sticking! In a big bowl, whisk together all the dry stuff: the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat it all up real good! Now, pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff and mix until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Finally, stir in that grated zucchini.

Baking the Moist Zucchini Bars

Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. How do you know when they’re done? Stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! Let the bars cool *completely* before you even *think* about frosting them. Seriously, be patient!

Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting - detail 1

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling, let’s whip up that amazing cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until they’re smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until it’s all well combined. Stir in the vanilla. Now, for the consistency: add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is just how you like it. I like mine nice and spreadable!

Frosting and Serving

Once those bars are completely cool (are they *really* cool?), spread the frosting evenly over the top. Now, cut them into squares. And there you have it: delicious, moist zucchini bars with cream cheese frosting, ready to devour! Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for the Best Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Want to make sure your moist zucchini bars are *perfect* every single time? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years. First, squeeze out as much moisture as you can from that grated zucchini! I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and give it a good squeeze. Also, don’t overmix the batter. Seriously, stop when it’s just combined. Overmixing makes tough bars, and nobody wants that! And finally, keep an eye on them in the oven. Ovens can be sneaky, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Happy baking!

Variations for Your Moist Zucchini Bars

Okay, so you’ve made the basic moist zucchini bars and they’re a hit? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy! You can totally switch things up to make them your own. My favorite thing to do is add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter. Wow! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Or, try a little almond extract instead of vanilla. Ooh la la! Get creative and have fun with it!

FAQ About Moist Zucchini Bars

Got questions about these amazing moist zucchini bars? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me:

How do I store leftover Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting?

Easy peasy! Just pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. Honestly, though, they never last that long at my house!

Can I freeze Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yep, you sure can! I like to freeze them unfrosted, then frost them after they thaw. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Can I use a different frosting for these Moist Zucchini Bars?

Absolutely! While I *love* the cream cheese frosting, you could totally switch it up. A simple powdered sugar glaze would be yummy. Or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, try a brown butter frosting. Yum!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Moist Zucchini Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, so you’re wondering about the nutrition, huh? Well, here’s a rough estimate: Each bar clocks in around 350 calories, with 20g of fat, 3g of protein, and 40g of carbs. But hey, it’s an estimate! And it’s *totally* worth it!

Enjoy Your Delicious Moist Zucchini Bars!

So there you have it! My super easy, super moist zucchini bars. Go ahead, give them a try! And if you do, be sure to let me know what you think – I love hearing from you!