Lunch Box Squares
Sweet and moist zucchini cake squares with a hint of cinnamon and cocoa, perfect for lunchboxes or casual gatherings, offering a delightful combination of spices and vegetable goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- To make buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon vinegar to milk and let sit for a few minutes until curdled.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, oil, and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and prepared buttermilk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cocoa, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in grated zucchini.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of half the oil. If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can substitute half with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Ensure the grated zucchini is well-drained to prevent excess moisture. This recipe can also be adapted to include nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lunch Box Squares as a delightful snack or dessert alongside a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They pair beautifully with Green Chiffon Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also top them with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lunch Box Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm. These squares taste great cold or warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lunch Box Squares contains roughly 241 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1080mg per serving (47% 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 regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. To create a buttermilk substitute, simply add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity and thickness of buttermilk, ensuring the right texture and flavor in your squares.
Can I freeze Lunch Box Squares?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warm.
What can I substitute for zucchini?
If you're looking to replace zucchini, grated carrots or applesauce can work well for moisture. Alternatively, you can use shredded yellow squash for a similar texture. Just ensure any substitute is properly drained to maintain the right consistency in your batter.
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).