Description
Soft, fresh, and full of flavor, these zucchini carrot bars with lemon cream cheese frosting are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and bright citrus sweetness. Ideal for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with your favorite tea.
Ingredients
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup canola oil or coconut oil
¼ cup honey (local or store-bought)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1¼ cups shredded carrot
1¼ cups shredded zucchini
1½ cups white whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp baking soda
Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Optional: a few drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
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Incorporate the vegetables: Gently mix in the shredded carrot and zucchini until evenly combined throughout the batter.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda.
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Bring it all together: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, about ½ cup at a time, stirring just until combined.
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Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for around 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
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Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding frosting.
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Make the frosting: Whip the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in lemon zest, juice, and essential oil if desired.
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Frost and serve: Spread or pipe the frosting over cooled bars. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Drain excess liquid from zucchini to prevent soggy bars.
Store frosted bars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 73
- Sugar: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 1g