Delicious Zucchini Bars with a Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

These zucchini bars are a great way to enjoy the abundance of summer zucchinis. The bars are moist and full of flavor, and the spiced cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance of sweetness. A must-try dessert for zucchini lovers!

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
5. Fold in chopped nuts and raisins if desired.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, beating until creamy.
10. Spread the frosting over the cooled zucchini bars.
11. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts