4.7 from 69 votes
Lemon Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Lemon Zucchini Bars feature moist bars made with grated zucchini, lemon zest, and juice, blended into a tender batter of flour, sugar, eggs, and oil. Baked until just set, the bars are topped with a cream cheese frosting flavored with lemon juice and zest, making a sweet, tangy dessert with a soft crumb and rich topping.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings:
24
Calories:
323 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
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.
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Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 323
% 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.