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5.0 from 153 votes

Zucchini bars

These zucchini bars with caramel frosting are the richest and most decadent in my arsenal of zucchini desserts ~ the cake is so moist and the frosting is dense and delicious, almost like a caramel fudge.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 332 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the zucchini bars
  • 2 large eggs
  • 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
For the caramel frosting
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp milk or cream
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 and butter a 9x9 baking pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk well.
  3. Whisk in the baking soda, and then fold in the flour until no pockets of dry ingredients remain.
  4. Fold in the shredded zucchini and the chopped pecans.
  5. Spread the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for about 35-45 minutes until risen.
  6. Allow the cake to partially cool while you make the frosting. I like to pour the frosting on the cake while it's still a bit warm for easier spreading.
For the frosting
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, milk, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. When it beings to boil, remove it from the heat.
  2. Whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, and pour it over the cake. Note: spread it quickly, the frosting begins to set almost immediately.
  3. I like to allow the frosting to cool before slicing into bars.

Notes

  •  
  • *The recipe first appeared in 2014 and has been revised and updated in 2021.

Nutrition Information

Calories 332kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 45g (15%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 51mg (17%) Sodium 140mg (6%) Potassium 107mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 35g (70%) Vitamin A 410IU (8%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 33mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 332

% Daily Value*

Calories 332kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 45g 15%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Sodium 140mg 6%
Potassium 107mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 35g 70%
Vitamin A 410IU 8%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.