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Frosted Zucchini Spice Bars

A close-up shot of a moist square slice of Frosted Zucchini Spice Bars with thick cream cheese frosting.
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Bake moist, spiced zucchini bars topped with a rich brown butter cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, browned
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini, squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Melt 1 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it foams and brown bits form at the bottom. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter and granulated sugar together. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the squeezed, shredded zucchini and the chopped nuts, if using.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time if the frosting is too stiff.
  11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • Squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before adding it to the batter.
  • Browning the butter adds a deeper, nutty flavor to the bars and the frosting.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/frosted-zucchini-spice-bars-recipe/