Moist Zucchini Bars with Caramel Frosting
These moist zucchini bars with caramel frosting are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and soft—topped with a buttery caramel glaze that sets to a rich, fudgy finish. Made with simple ingredients and fresh grated zucchini, they’re a great way to sneak veggies into dessert while creating a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.Easy to make and freezer-friendly, they’re ideal for potlucks, fall baking, and anytime you crave a cozy homemade dessert.
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 2 cups grated zucchini do not peel
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the caramel frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt optional, but enhances flavor
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Dash of cloves for extra spice
Instructions
Prep the zucchini
- Wash the zucchini and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Lightly blot with paper towels to remove excess water but don’t squeeze it dry—the moisture is key.
Make the batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, both sugars, oil, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Fold in the zucchini (and any optional mix-ins).
Bake the bars
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bars in the pan.
Make the caramel frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in milk. Cool slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Frost the bars
- Spread the caramel frosting over cooled bars. For a softer glaze, frost while the bars are still slightly warm. Let the frosting set before slicing.