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Ultimate Moist Zucchini Carrot Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a moist slice of Zucchini Carrot Bars topped with thick white cream cheese frosting.
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Make these moist Zucchini Carrot Bars, a simple baked good that combines grated vegetables for flavor and texture. This recipe includes a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • For Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the squeezed, dry zucchini, grated carrots, and optional nuts.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • Squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels; this prevents soggy bars.
  • For a lunchbox friendly treat, omit the cream cheese frosting or use a simple glaze instead.
  • You can substitute the pecans with raisins if you prefer a different texture in your sweet grated vegetable dessert.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/zucchini-carrot-bars-recipe/