Spiced Zucchini Carrot Bars

Discover the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent with these Spiced Zucchini Carrot Bars, a moist and flavorful dessert bar that’s bursting with warm spices and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of freshly grated zucchini and carrots with a fragrant blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a soft, tender crumb that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Optional chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch, while the silky frosting provides the ultimate creamy finish. Perfect for gatherings, snack time, or a unique dessert option, these bars are easy to make, ready in under an hour, and a delicious way to sneak in some veggies. Try these crowd-pleasers today and elevate your dessert game!

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Zucchini, grated
• 1 cup Carrot, grated
• 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and beat until fully combined.

Step 5

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6

Fold in the grated zucchini, grated carrot, and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 7

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 10

To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 11

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is thick and spreadable.

Step 12

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

Step 13

Slice into 16 squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1334.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4764.3

Total Fat 225.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 70.6g
Cholesterol 229.1mg	0%
Sodium 1999.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 672.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 505.4g
Protein 44.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 454.0mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 1697.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 3.7%

Carbs: 55.0%