Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars

Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars bring together warm autumn spices, tender zucchini, and a luscious cream cheese frosting for the ultimate dessert (or snack!) any time of year. This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, yet it delivers a flavor that feels like it took hours. The moist zucchini base is perfectly balanced by aromatic cinnamon and cloves, while the creamy frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether it’s for a cozy family get-together, a festive holiday celebration, or simply a well-deserved personal treat, these bars are sure to impress. Plus, they’re a clever way to sneak veggies into a dessert without anyone suspecting a thing!

Why You’ll Love Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars

• Moist & Flavorful – The zucchini keeps the bars soft and tender, while spices infuse them with cozy warmth.

• Everyday Ingredients – Most of these basics are likely already waiting in your pantry.

• Fast & Easy – From mixing bowl to plate in less than an hour.

• Versatile Occasion Dessert – Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, bake sales, or holiday spreads.

• Frosting That’s Irresistible – A light, fluffy cream cheese frosting with cinnamon and cloves takes these bars to the next level.

Ingredients

For the Bars

• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup plain or vanilla yogurt

• ¼ cup milk (any variety works)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 cup shredded zucchini, well-drained

For the Frosting

• 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Step-by-Step: How to Make Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and well blended.

3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
   Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves to the wet mixture. Mix softly until just blended, taking care not to overwork the batter.

4. Add the Zucchini
   Fold in the drained shredded zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Bake the Bars
   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

6. Cool Completely
   Transfer to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely before adding frosting.

7. Prepare the Frosting
   In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, mixing on low until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.

8. Frost and Serve
   Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Helpful Tips

• Drain the Zucchini Well – Excess moisture can make the bars soggy. Squeeze shredded zucchini gently in a paper towel before adding it to the batter.

• Room Temperature Ingredients – Cream cheese and butter mix more smoothly when softened.

• Don’t Overmix – Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender.

• Cool Fully Before Frosting – This keeps the frosting from melting or slipping away.

Substitutions and Variations

• Flour Substitutes – Replace white whole wheat flour with all-purpose or a gluten-free mix.

• Dairy-Free – Use plant-based yogurt, non-dairy milk, and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free treat.

• Extra Spice – Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor.

• Nutty Crunch – Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.

• Citrus Twist – Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the frosting for a bright, tangy note.

Storage Instructions

• At Room Temperature – Keep frosted bars in a sealed container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator – Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; let them sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.

• Freezer-Friendly – Wrap unfrosted bars securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and serve.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 9 servings)

• Calories: 210

• Protein: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Sugars: 21g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 180mg

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte for a cozy afternoon snack.

• Serve as part of a holiday dessert table alongside pumpkin pie and apple crisp.

• Cut into small squares for a tea party or brunch spread.

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the frosting before serving for extra flair.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the bars a day ahead, store them covered, and frost them just before serving.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, there’s no need to peel—it adds color and nutrients without affecting the texture.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes.

What’s the best way to shred zucchini?
Use a box grater or the shredding attachment on your food processor for quick, even results.

Will people taste the zucchini?
Not at all! It blends seamlessly into the bars, adding moisture without a distinct vegetable flavor.

Conclusion

Thank you for stopping by to try these Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars! This recipe has been one of my go-to favorites for years because it’s quick to make, wonderfully spiced, and topped with the dreamiest frosting. It’s the kind of dessert that makes a weekday feel special and a holiday table feel complete. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) them as much as I do. Here’s to warm kitchens, sweet moments, and the joy of sharing good food. Happy baking!

Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x

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Description

Warmly spiced zucchini bars topped with creamy cinnamon-clove cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a sweet everyday treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars

⅓ cup packed brown sugar

⅓ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup plain or vanilla yogurt

¼ cup milk (any variety)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 cup white whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup shredded zucchini, well-drained

For the Frosting

4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven
  Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

• Mix the Wet Ingredients
  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and well blended.

• Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
  Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves to the wet mixture. Mix softly until just blended, taking care not to overwork the batter.

• Add the Zucchini
  Fold in the drained shredded zucchini until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

• Bake the Bars
  Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

• Cool Completely
  Transfer to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely before adding frosting.

• Prepare the Frosting
  In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, mixing on low until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.

• Frost and Serve
  Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Drain zucchini well to prevent excess moisture.

Cool bars completely before frosting.

Bars can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for 5 days, or frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g