Zucchini Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: A Deliciously Moist Fall Treat

These Zucchini Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to use up extra zucchini and embrace the flavors of fall. Moist, subtly sweet, and topped with a creamy, spiced frosting, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a simple afternoon treat. This recipe provides detailed instructions for baking the perfect zucchini bars and creating a flavorful, spiced cream cheese frosting. Get ready to enjoy a slice of autumn!

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Bars

* **Moist and Tender:** The zucchini adds incredible moisture, making these bars incredibly soft and tender.
* **Subtle Sweetness:** The sugar is balanced perfectly, creating a subtly sweet treat that isn’t overly sugary.
* **Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:** The frosting is the star! The blend of spices complements the zucchini and adds a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evoke the cozy feeling of autumn.
* **Great for Using Up Zucchini:** Have an abundance of zucchini from your garden? This recipe is the perfect solution.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Zucchini Bars:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (375g). Provides structure for the bars.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon. Leavening agent that helps the bars rise.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Another leavening agent for a lighter texture.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and spice.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** ½ teaspoon. Complements the cinnamon and adds a nutty flavor.
* **Ground Cloves:** ¼ teaspoon. Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
* **Eggs:** 3 large. Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 ¾ cups (350g). Sweetens the bars and adds moisture.
* **Vegetable Oil:** ¾ cup (180ml). Adds moisture and tenderness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons. Enhances the flavor.
* **Shredded Zucchini:** 3 cups (lightly packed). The star ingredient! No need to peel the zucchini.
* **Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional):** ½ cup. Adds texture and flavor.

For the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:

* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces (226g), softened. The base of the frosting.
* **Unsalted Butter:** ½ cup (113g), softened. Adds richness and creaminess.
* **Powdered Sugar:** 4 cups (480g). Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** ½ teaspoon. Adds a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** ¼ teaspoon. Complements the cinnamon.
* **Milk or Heavy Cream:** 1-2 tablespoons. Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** For baking the zucchini bars.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** For creaming the butter and sugar and making the frosting. A stand mixer or hand mixer will work.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Grater:** For shredding the zucchini.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For folding the ingredients together.
* **Parchment Paper (optional):** For lining the baking pan and easy removal of the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Zucchini Bars:

1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be light and slightly foamy.
4. **Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
5. **Fold in Zucchini and Nuts (if using):** Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) until evenly distributed. Do not squeeze the zucchini; the moisture is essential for the bars.
6. **Pour Batter into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
8. **Cool Completely:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.

Making the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. **Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are properly softened to avoid lumps in the frosting. Beat for at least 2-3 minutes.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Start with a low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
3. **Add Vanilla and Spices:** Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and beat until well combined.
4. **Adjust Consistency:** If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
5. **Frost the Bars:** Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Bars

* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Don’t Squeeze the Zucchini:** The moisture from the zucchini is essential for keeping the bars moist. Don’t squeeze out any excess moisture.
* **Use Softened Cream Cheese and Butter:** Softened cream cheese and butter will blend together more easily, resulting in a smooth frosting.
* **Cool the Bars Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt and become runny.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra touch of sweetness, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the walnuts or pecans before adding them to the batter will enhance their flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum.
* **Adjust the Spices:** Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. You can also add other spices like ginger or allspice.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freeze for Later:** Baked and cooled zucchini bars can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

Variations

* **Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Lemon Zucchini Bars:** Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with lemon extract.
* **Apple Spice Zucchini Bars:** Add ½ cup of diced apples to the batter and increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons. You can also add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger.
* **Maple Pecan Zucchini Bars:** Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup and add 1 cup of chopped pecans to the batter. Use maple extract in the frosting instead of vanilla.

Serving Suggestions

* **Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea:** These bars are the perfect accompaniment to a warm beverage.
* **Serve as a dessert:** These bars make a delicious and easy dessert.
* **Bring to a potluck or bake sale:** These bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Pack in a lunchbox:** These bars are a great addition to a lunchbox.
* **Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon:** For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle the frosted bars with cinnamon.
* **Add a drizzle of caramel sauce:** For a decadent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted bars.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per bar)

*Calories: 350
*Fat: 20g
*Saturated Fat: 10g
*Cholesterol: 50mg
*Sodium: 200mg
*Carbohydrates: 40g
*Sugar: 25g
*Protein: 3g

**Note:** Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

## Conclusion

These Zucchini Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The moist, tender bars paired with the creamy, spiced frosting create a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up extra zucchini or simply want to bake a delicious fall dessert, this recipe is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumn!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen zucchini?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter.

**Q: Do I need to peel the zucchini?**
A: No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin is thin and tender and will add extra nutrients and fiber to the bars.

**Q: Can I use a different type of nut?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of nut you like. Walnuts and pecans are commonly used, but almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts would also be delicious.

**Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Frost the bars just before serving.

**Q: Can I freeze the frosting?**
A: It’s generally not recommended to freeze cream cheese frosting as it can change the texture and become grainy. It’s best to make the frosting fresh.

**Q: My frosting is too thin. What can I do?**
A: If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

**Q: My frosting is too thick. What can I do?**
A: If your frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

**Q: Can I add raisins to the batter?**
A: Yes, you can add ½ cup of raisins to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.

**Q: Can I make these bars without nuts?**
A: Yes, you can omit the nuts if you prefer.

**Q: How do I store the leftover bars?**
A: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.