Carrot-Zucchini Bars
Carrot-zucchini bars offer a moist, spiced treat with crunchy walnuts and fresh citrus notes, perfect for snack time or dessert with a hint of wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated orange rind
- 1 cup grated carrot ⓘ
- 1 cup grated zucchini ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream margarine with sugar.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and grated orange rind; beat well.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrot, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting with cream cheese icing.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half of the sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas. Chopped pecans can be used instead of walnuts for a different texture and taste. Ensure the zucchini is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These carrot-zucchini bars are delicious on their own or paired with Jackie'S No-Fail Coconut Icing for a sweet finish. They make a great addition to brunch or a snack alongside Cotton Mill Mashed Potatoes. For a delightful twist, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover carrot-zucchini bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrot-Zucchini Bars contains roughly 345 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 778mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the batter. Excess moisture can affect the texture, so pressing it with a paper towel is a good idea.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free carrot-zucchini bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Both alternatives will provide a rich flavor and moisture, maintaining the deliciousness of the bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).