Zucchini Bars

Zucchini bars might not be the first treat that comes to mind, but they offer a surprisingly delightful blend of flavors and nutrients. You may find it intriguing that these bars not only help you use up excess zucchini but also pack a punch with added ingredients like chia seeds and dried cherries. Their versatility makes them suitable for breakfast or an afternoon snack, yet there’s more to their appeal that you might not have considered. So, what makes zucchini bars stand out in the world of snacks?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try these zucchini bars, you’ll quickly discover why they’re a favorite for so many. Their versatility shines through as they freeze well and use fresh or frozen ingredients, making them available year-round.

You’ll appreciate how this recipe relies on pantry staples, reducing the need for special purchases. These bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, offering a balanced nutritional profile with fewer calories than traditional options. Each bar packs in nutrients from zucchini, carrots, and chia seeds while keeping calories low at 185. With easy preparation and no special equipment needed, you can whip them up quickly, making them a practical choice for busy schedules.

The addition of dried cherries enhances the overall appeal, providing a unique flavor profile unlike typical zucchini bars.

Enjoy the unique taste and moist texture they provide!

History

Zucchini has a rich history that traces back to Mesoamerica, where it was first cultivated before being introduced to Europe following Columbus’ voyage in 1492.

Although botanically a fruit, it’s treated as a vegetable in cooking. By the late 1800s, zucchini evolved in Italy and made its way to the United States through Italian immigrants in the 1920s. Zucchini bread is a popular dish that serves as a versatile baked good for breakfast, dessert, and snacks.

Globally, it’s a staple in various cuisines, appearing in recipes from countries like Thailand, France, and Greece.

Zucchini bread, a popular dish, has roots in European vegetable puddings from the Middle Ages. It gained fame during World War II in Victory Gardens and further surged in popularity during the 1960s with the hippie movement emphasizing healthy eating.

Recipe

Zucchini bars are a delightful treat that combine the moistness of zucchini with a variety of flavors, making them perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. With a base that can be spiced with cinnamon or enhanced with nuts and fruits, zucchini bars can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Topped with a creamy frosting or a light glaze, they’re certain to please both family and friends. In fact, each zucchini bar contains about 95 calories which makes them a relatively light option for a sweet indulgence.

Whether you’re using a basic recipe or experimenting with unique ingredients like maraschino cherries or browned butter, the process of making zucchini bars is straightforward and rewarding. They’re an excellent way to use up any extra zucchini from your garden or a great way to introduce veggies into a sweet treat.

Follow the instructions below to create your own delicious batch of zucchini bars.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated zucchini (drained)
– 1 ½ cups sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting, clove-scented frosting, or browned butter frosting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Once baked, remove the zucchini bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting and cutting into squares.

For the best results, remember to properly prepare your zucchini by grating and draining any excess moisture, as this will enhance the texture of your bars. Confirm your baking pan is adequately greased to avoid any sticking during the baking process.

After frosting, feel free to store any leftovers in an airtight container or freeze them for a later treat! Enjoy your delicious zucchini bars!

Final Thoughts

Although you might think of zucchini as solely a savory ingredient, these delightful bars prove that it can shine in sweet treats as well.

When making zucchini bars, consider the nutritional benefits. You can lower the calories by opting for healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners like honey or vanilla stevia. Additionally, incorporating pecans for added texture can enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of the bars.

Keep in mind that proper preparation matters; using room temperature ingredients and measuring flour correctly can guarantee even baking. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.

Also, remember that the type of frosting you choose impacts the overall calorie count. Experimenting with different recipes allows you to find the perfect balance of taste and health, making these bars a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.

FAQ

What do you want to know about zucchini bars? These delicious treats are made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and, of course, shredded zucchini.

When preparing them, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini to avoid overly wet bars. You can mix in nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor. Zucchini bars are a great way to sneak vegetables into desserts, making them appealing to picky eaters.

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using brown sugar, applesauce, or gluten-free options like oat flour.

For storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze them for later.

If you’re curious about frosting, options like cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze work well.

Enjoy experimenting with different variations to find your perfect zucchini bar!

Zucchini Bars

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• - 2 cups grated zucchini drained
• - 1 ½ cups sugar
• - 3 large eggs
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 teaspoon baking powder
• - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• - ½ teaspoon baking soda
• - ½ teaspoon salt
• - ½ cup vegetable oil
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting clove-scented frosting, or browned butter frosting

Instructions

 

• Instructions:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
• In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the zucchini bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting and cutting into squares.
• For the best results, remember to properly prepare your zucchini by grating and draining any excess moisture, as this will enhance the texture of your bars. Confirm your baking pan is adequately greased to avoid any sticking during the baking process.
• After frosting, feel free to store any leftovers in an airtight container or freeze them for a later treat! Enjoy your delicious zucchini bars!