The Best Zucchini Bars are a perfect mix of cozy and sweet — soft, moist, and loaded with warm spice flavor. You’d never guess there’s a veggie hiding inside! Topped with a layer of creamy frosting, these bars taste like a cross between zucchini bread and cake, and they’re the kind of treat that disappears way too fast.
When I make zucchini bars, it always feels like one of those cozy, comforting baking days. I love grating the zucchini, mixing it into the batter, and watching it transform into something golden, soft, and sweet. The best part, though, is spreading on that creamy frosting and trying not to dig in before it sets. It’s one of those bakes that makes the kitchen smell amazing and always has everyone asking for “just one more square.”
Try some of our other favorite bars: Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie Bars, Soft and Chewy Smores Bars, Chocolate Chip Oreo Brownie Bars, or Strawberry Brownies.
Zucchini Bar Ingredients
- granulated sugar
- flour
- oil
- vanilla
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- baking powder
- salt
- eggs
- zucchini
- powdered sugar
- cream cheese
- butter
- vanilla extract
FAQs
Nope! The peel is soft and adds color and nutrients. Just wash the zucchini well before grating.
Yes! After grating, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out the excess moisture — this helps the bars bake up soft, not soggy.
You can! Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the batter.
Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice — it adds a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced bars.
Yes! Freeze them unfrosted for best results. Just thaw and add the frosting fresh before serving.
Top Tips
- Don’t skip draining the zucchini. If it’s very watery, lightly squeeze it so your bars stay fluffy instead of soggy.
- Use freshly grated zucchini. Pre-shredded or store-bought tends to be drier and won’t give that moist, tender texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is combined to keep the bars soft and cake-like.
- Frost while slightly warm. If you love a glaze-like melt, spread the frosting while the bars are just barely warm.
- Let the bars cool before cutting. It helps them set and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
- Customize it! Add chopped walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Store smart. Keep frosted bars covered in the fridge, or freeze unfrosted bars for an easy dessert later.
How to make Zucchini Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 10x15-inch baking pan.
- Prep the zucchini: Grate and lightly squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, then fold in the grated zucchini.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool until only slightly warm.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt (if desired). Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and slice: Spread frosting over slightly warm bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Best Zucchini Bars
Ingredients
Zucchini Bars
- 2 cups zucchini, grated (about 3 zucchini)
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 10x15-inch baking pan.
- Prep the zucchini: Grate and lightly squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, then fold in the grated zucchini.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool until slightly warm before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt(if desired). Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and slice: Spread frosting over slightly warm bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!
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