Why Make This Recipe
Easy Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are not just delicious; they are also a great way to sneak in some veggies! These bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting that elevates them to a new level. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or dessert, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
How to Make Easy Carrot And Zucchini Bars With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix grated carrots and zucchini.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the grated carrots and zucchini.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the bars cool, make the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares to serve.
How to Serve Easy Carrot And Zucchini Bars With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
You can serve these bars at room temperature. They make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Cut them into square pieces and place them on a nice platter for a more inviting presentation. They are great for potlucks, birthday parties, or any casual gathering!
How to Store Easy Carrot And Zucchini Bars With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars without the frosting for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Easy Carrot And Zucchini Bars With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated zucchini to prevent the bars from becoming too moist.
- You can use a mix of butter and oil for a richer flavor, but the recipe works well with just vegetable oil.
- Feel free to add nuts or seeds for added texture.
Variation
If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or raisins into the batter. You can also substitute the lemon frosting with a classic cream cheese frosting if you prefer a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and add the frosting just before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
- You can use Greek yogurt or whipped topping for a lighter version, but the flavor will be different.
Are these bars gluten-free?
- To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.