Lemon Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
User Reviews
4.7
Lemon Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Lemon Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine grated zucchini and lemon zest to create moisture and bright citrus flavor in a sheet-pan baked bar. The batter uses all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to form a tender crumb. The lemon zest is rubbed with sugar to release aroma before mixing.
Baked at 350°F in a greased pan, the bars are removed once set to preserve a soft interior. Once cooled, they are topped with a cream cheese frosting made by beating softened cream cheese and butter, then adding powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. The frosting adds creamy tanginess that complements the bars’ texture and lemon notes.
This dessert can be served for snacks, gatherings, or as a light citrus-flavored sweet treat. Adjusting pan size allows for thicker bars if desired.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- lemon zest of 2 lemons
- 3/4 cup neutral cooking oil grapeseed, canola, or vegetable, generic cooking oil
- 3 egg lightly beaten, large
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups zucchini grated
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounce cream cheese at room temperature, block
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Grease a 10 x 15-inch sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. If you want slightly thicker bars you can use a 9x13-inch pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub together with your fingers until fragrant. Add the oil, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the grated zucchini.
- Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over mix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are set. Don’t over bake. Let the bars cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, make the lemon cream cheese frosting. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and no lumps remain, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add 3 cups powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and pinch of salt. Once the sugar begins to incorporate, increase the mixer to high speed and beat for 2 minutes or until smooth. If the frosting is too thin, you can add more powdered sugar, until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread the lemon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 323 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 323kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 125mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 89mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 43g | 86% |
| Vitamin A | 175IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 2.7mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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