Zucchini Dream Bars with Brown Butter Bliss Frosting

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered what to do with all that zucchini from the garden? If You Like Zucchini Bread , get ready for an upgrade.

These Zucchini Dream Bars with Brown Butter Bliss Frosting are about to become your new favourite bake!

A Slice of History (and Deliciousness)

This Zucchini Cake Recipe is inspired by classic Zucchini Bread , a humble bake with roots in resourcefulness. Think of it as Zucchini Bread's cooler, slightly more sophisticated cousin.

It takes the warm spices and moistness you love, and dresses it up with a nutty, decadent frosting. It's fall baking recipes perfect to enjoy.

This recipe is a medium difficulty. It takes about an hour. The recipe yields 16 bars.

Why You'll Love These Zucchini Bars with Frosting

Honestly? These Easy Zucchini Bars are ridiculously moist. Squeezing out the excess moisture from the Grated Zucchini is crucial. The Brown Butter Frosting Recipe elevates them to a whole new level of indulgence.

Plus, sneaking in some extra veggies? Always a win! Zucchini Dessert Recipes never tasted so good.

My top reason to love this is that you can feel good by eating vegetables in your dessert.

Ready to dive in? Let's gather those ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, so you wanna bake? Good on ya! Let's talk about what you'll need for these incredible Zucchini Dream Bars with Brown Butter Bliss Frosting .

Trust me, if you like zucchini bread , this recipe will blow your mind! These bars are a step up in dessert experience.

Main Ingredients: The Starring Roles

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190g) . Plain flour is best.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon . Don't skip it.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon . Warmth is what we're after.
• Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon . Adds a bit of depth.
• Ground cloves: ¼ teaspoon . Just a pinch!
• Salt: ½ teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) . For that classic sweetness.
• Light brown sugar: ½ cup (100g) , packed. Adds a lovely moist texture. This helps to make the moistest Zucchini Cake Recipe
• Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120ml) . Use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower.
• Large eggs: 2 . Get 'em at room temperature.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Pure vanilla is always best!
• Grated Zucchini : 2 cups (about 2 medium) , squeezed. The star of our Zucchini Dessert Recipes !
  • Zucchini Quality Indicator : You want firm zucchini. Not squishy! Grated Zucchini should look nice.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: ½ cup (50g) (optional). Add some crunch!
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113g) . For that amazing Brown Butter Frosting Recipe .
• Powdered sugar: 3 cups (360g) , sifted. Sifting is KEY for smooth frosting!
• Milk or heavy cream: 2-4 tablespoons . Adjust to your preference.
• A pinch of salt.

Seasoning Notes: Adding the Magic

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves? Essential! This combo screams fall baking recipes . Vanilla extract adds a warm tone. Brown butter? Transforms the frosting into something truly special.

For Zucchini Dessert Recipes , these spices really elevate the flavors.

If you don't have nutmeg or cloves, just use more cinnamon. Not a problem. A teaspoon of lemon zest can really brighten things up too!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• 9x13 inch baking pan . This is a must, honestly.
• Parchment paper. Makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowls. You'll need a couple.
• Whisk. For the dry ingredients.
• Rubber spatula. Get every last bit of batter.
• Grater. For the Grated Zucchini , obviously.
• Fine mesh sieve. Trust me, sift that powdered sugar!
• Saucepan. For browning the butter crucial for the Brown Butter Frosting Recipe !
  • Alternative : If you don’t have a saucepan you can use a skillet. You can even use the microwave in a pinch!

Now you know everything you need to make these Easy Zucchini Bars or Zucchini Bars with Frosting . Let's get baking!

Zucchini Dream Bars: Forget Ordinary Zucchini Bread

Right, let's ditch the same old and dive into these Zucchini Dream Bars with Brown Butter Bliss Frosting . Honestly, these bars are a game changer.

This isn't just a Zucchini Cake . It’s elevated baking. I had some garden Zucchinis I was looking to use, and I didn’t want to make Zucchini Bread and found this Zucchini Cake Recipe .

Prep Like a Pro, Bake Like a Boss

First up, mise en place is key. Chop your walnuts, measure your spices, and get that grated zucchini squeezed dry.

Trust me, don't skip the squeezing step nobody wants soggy bars. It took me a while to figure out that squeezing the zucchini actually matters, haha! Did you know that zucchini is actually technically a fruit? Anyway, line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Safety first, folks; mind those hot surfaces!

step-by-step to Zucchini Bliss

1. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. Whisk wet ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Combine wet and dry just until mixed. Don't overmix!
4. Fold in zucchini and nuts (if using).
5. Pour into the pan and bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
6. Cool completely . This is crucial!
7. Make the Brown Butter Frosting .
8. Frost and enjoy the Zucchini Dessert Recipes .

Pro Tips for Next Level Bars

If you like zucchini bread, you're going to obsess over these zucchini bars. For real. Browning butter is the secret weapon for the Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting .

Watch it carefully, swirling until golden brown and nutty. A huge mistake to avoid is frosting too early. It'll melt! For easy Zucchini Bars with Frosting , make the bars a day ahead.

Store them unfrosted at room temperature, or freeze. For the Brown Butter Frosting Recipe , once done, set the butter aside to cool down slightly before putting it together with the sugar.

This will avoid the powder sugar to clump. You can also make Easy Zucchini Bars using box cake mix. These are great Fall Baking Recipes with Moist Zucchini Recipes .

These are my go to Zucchini Bars with Frosting for potlucks!

Recipe Notes: Little Tweaks and Handy Tips

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty. This Zucchini Cake Recipe isn't just about following instructions. It's about making it your own! Honestly, that's what baking is all about, innit? This Zucchini Cake will blow away anyone's expectation of a Zucchini Dessert Recipes .

Serving Suggestions: Va-Va-Voom!

Presentation is key. You know, make it look like you actually tried ! A dusting of icing sugar always works a charm.

And, If You Like Zucchini Bread , try serving these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Proper lush!

Fancy it up? Slice the Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting into neat squares. Arrange them on a platter with a few fresh berries.

Boom. Instant sophistication! As for drinks, a cuppa tea or a latte is spot on. Or, for a grown-up treat, try a glass of dessert wine.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Got leftovers? Unlikely, but you never know! Store these Easy Zucchini Bars in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Want to freeze 'em? Go for it! Wrap the Zucchini Bars with Frosting tightly in cling film. Then, pop them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Honestly, you will be thanking me when you get a sneaky bite of Moist Zucchini Recipes .

Reheating? Just a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. Or, a few minutes in a warm oven.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Feeling adventurous? This Zucchini Cake Recipe is totally adaptable.

For a dairy-free version, use a plant based spread instead of butter in the Brown Butter Frosting Recipe . And, swap out the milk for almond milk. Easy peasy!

Want to make it seasonal? For autumn, add a pinch of mixed spice to the batter. A little orange zest adds a lovely festive touch, perfect for Fall Baking Recipes .

Grated Zucchini is such a versatile ingredient, you know?

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat

Let's be real, this is dessert. It is not health food. That said, zucchini does have some goodness. It's low in calories and a source of fibre.

Each bar has roughly 320 calories, 3g protein, 18g fat, 40g carbs. Remember, this is just an estimate!

So there you have it! Everything you need to make these Zucchini Bars with Frosting a success. Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun! Now get baking, you legend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, so "If You Like Zucchini Bread," what makes these Zucchini Dream Bars with Brown Butter Bliss Frosting different?

Think of these bars as zucchini bread's posh cousin. They've got all that comforting, spiced flavour you love, but with a richer, more decadent brown butter frosting that takes it to the next level. These are perfect when you fancy something a bit more special than your standard loaf.

Browning butter sounds a bit tricky. Any tips for getting it right?

Browning butter is like watching paint dry, but worth the effort! Use a light coloured saucepan so you can see the colour change clearly. Swirl the pan occasionally to prevent burning, and remove from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty. It happens fast at the end, so keep a close eye on it!

Can I freeze these Zucchini Dream Bars? I'm not sure I can eat 16 bars myself!

Absolutely! To freeze, cut the cooled, unfrosted bars into squares and wrap them individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving. You could even freeze them already frosted, but the frosting's texture might change slightly.

I'm allergic to nuts. What can I use instead of walnuts or pecans in these bars?

No worries, you can easily substitute the nuts! Try using raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dates for a bit of sweetness and chewiness. Or, simply leave them out altogether; the bars will still be delicious without them. Sometimes simple is best, eh?

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Is there anything I can do to make these Zucchini Dream Bars a little less indulgent?

You can make a few swaps! Try using applesauce in place of some of the oil, or reduce the amount of sugar slightly. For the frosting, use Greek yogurt instead of some of the butter, or opt for a lighter cream cheese frosting. Remember, moderation is key, and a little treat now and then won't hurt!

How do I store these Zucchini Dream Bars to keep them fresh?

To keep your Zucchini Dream Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, or want them to last a bit longer, store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.