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Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars

Spiced Cream Cheese Frosted Zucchini Bars


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

Description

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


Ingredients

Scale

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


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