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Moist Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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These moist chocolate chip zucchini bars balance fresh garden zucchini and sweet chocolate chips perfectly, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a luscious finish. A crowd-pleasing treat that sneaks veggies into dessert without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis, squeezed dry)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can swap half with whole wheat flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
  2. Shred about 2 medium zucchinis to get 2 cups. Place shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture, leaving some moisture for moistness.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Carefully fold in shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.
  8. Spread batter evenly in prepared baking pan.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
  10. Cool bars completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes before frosting.
  11. To make frosting, beat softened cream cheese with softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
  12. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled bars. Chill in fridge for 15-20 minutes to set frosting before slicing.
  13. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy bars but retain some moisture for softness. Fold ingredients gently to prevent tough bars. Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth batter and frosting. Watch baking time closely and test with a toothpick. Toss chocolate chips in flour before folding to prevent sinking. Cool bars completely before frosting to avoid melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini bars, chocolate chip bars, cream cheese frosting, moist dessert, vegetable dessert, easy baking, zucchini recipe, chocolate chip dessert

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/moist-chocolate-chip-zucchini-bars-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/