Zucchini Bars

Whenever I think of summer, my mind instantly drifts to the freshness of garden vegetables, especially zucchini. That’s when I whip up a batch of Zucchini Bars. They remind me of sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she’d bake delightful treats with whatever she had on hand. The combination of sweet and slightly nutty flavors in these bars makes them irresistible. I often find myself reaching for one (or two) after a long day, and bringing them to gatherings is always a hit. What I love most about these bars is not only their delicious taste but also how they embrace the essence of summer. They’re packed with shredded zucchini, giving them a moist texture that simply melts in your mouth. Plus, the added crunch from pecans and the sweetness from coconut elevate them to another level. If you haven’t tried making Zucchini Bars, you’re missing out on a true summertime treat!

What You’ll Need for Zucchini Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making delicious Zucchini Bars. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of butter, sugars, and eggs creates a rich base, while the zucchini, pecans, and coconut add depth and character to the bars. Together, these ingredients come together to create a treat that’s both satisfying and memorable.

• ¾ cup butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness in the recipe.
• 2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent, giving the bars structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the bars; gives them substance.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise, creating a light texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut: Adds sweetness and texture.
• ¾ cup chopped pecans: Introduces a crunchy element.
• 3 cups finely shredded zucchini: Keeps the bars moist and flavorful.
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Adds a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.
• 1½ cups powdered sugar: For the glaze that brings everything together.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Used in the glaze for richness.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice to the bars.

Making Zucchini Bars

Creating these Zucchini Bars is truly a rewarding experience. The process is not only simple but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps needed to craft these delicious treats. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant bars ready to enjoy!

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth but not tough.
5. Now comes the fun part! Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, zucchini, and mini chocolate chips. The batter will be thick and chunky, filled with delightful bits of flavor.
6. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, ensuring it reaches the corners. This will help the bars bake evenly.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
8. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and milk. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.
10. Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in and add a sweet finish to your Zucchini Bars.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are countless ways to modify these Zucchini Bars to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to get you started!

• Nut Alternatives: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
• Flavor Infusions: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
• Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of sweetness.
• Frosting Options: Top with cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer flavor.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.

Serving This Zucchini Bars

When it comes to serving Zucchini Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ways to enjoy them:

• Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast option.
• Snack Time: Perfect for a mid-afternoon snack, these bars are easy to wrap and take on the go.
• Picnic Favorite: Pack them for a picnic; their sturdy texture holds up well when packed.
• Birthday Parties: These bars make an excellent alternative to traditional cakes at birthday parties.
• Seasonal Gatherings: Whether it’s summer BBQs or autumn potlucks, they always impress guests.
• Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for later enjoyment!

FAQ

Conclusion

These Zucchini Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy summer produce. With their moist, sweet interior and a hint of crunch from the nuts, each bite is a joy. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon; you won’t regret it. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—you deserve a treat like this!

Zucchini Bars

The ultimate summer treat, these Zucchini Bars are moist, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. With the sweetness of coconut and the crunch of pecans, they bring joy to any gathering. Don't miss the chance to make these easy-to-bake bars tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 18 servings

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup Butter
• ½ cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1½ teaspoons Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Shredded Sweetened Coconut
• ¾ cup Chopped Pecans
• 3 cups Finely Shredded Zucchini
• ½ cup Mini Chocolate Chips
• 1½ cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter
• 2 to 3 tablespoons Milk
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the bars don’t stick.
• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth but not tough.
• Now comes the fun part! Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, zucchini, and mini chocolate chips. The batter will be thick and chunky, filled with delightful bits of flavor.
• Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, ensuring it reaches the corners. This will help the bars bake evenly.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
• Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and milk. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.
• Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in and add a sweet finish to your Zucchini Bars.

Notes

• Squeeze the shredded zucchini gently between paper towels: This removes excess moisture.

Keyword baking with zucchini, easy Zucchini Bars, Summer Dessert, Zucchini Bars recipe

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Meet Romina Scott

Welcome to my kitchen. I founded Recipes By Romina with a simple goal: to share the fresh, vibrant, and reliable flavors that I love most. I personally develop and approve every single dish on this site to ensure it is not only delicious but also easy for you to recreate at home. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert, I hope this recipe inspires you to grab an apron and get cooking!